PREPARATIONS for the grand re-opening of a historic park got under way yesterday with a warm-up concert from a brass band.

Parts of Darlington's South Park have been closed for several months while a £3.9m restoration project has been carried out.

It will reopen with a family festival on Sunday, May 7, when thousands of people are expected to turn out, eager to get a glimpse of the changes that have been made.

Yesterday, as a preview to the event, the Cockerton Prize Silver Band performed on the revamped bandstand.

They will also be providing entertainment at the launch event.

The day will be started by the Mayor of Darlington, Councillor Stella Robson, who will unveil a bronze commemoration plaque at midday.

Other attractions will include street theatre, a New Orleans jazz band, a Punch and Judy show, bungee trampolines and children's rides.

Chris Lloyd, deputy editor of The Northern Echo, will conduct a tour around South Park from 2.30pm.

A competition will also be held to win a helicopter ride around Darlington and South Park, for which visitors will have to crack a code in a treasure hunt.

The day will finish at 4pm.

Councillor Lee Vasey, Darlington Borough Council's cabinet member for leisure services, was at yesterday's preview, and said the park was extremely impressive.

"We are delighted to see the town's beautiful and popular park re-open its gates to the community," she said.

"The launch event will be lots of fun and, I think, the best way to mark this wonderful occasion."