A SERIES of events planned to mark the 150th anniversary of one of Darlington’s most iconic buildings has been described as a fitting tribute to its heritage.

Two days of celebrations will be held in June to mark 150 years of the town’s Covered Market hall, which opened in 1863.

Victorian-themed attractions, on Friday, June 7, will include a traditional fairground; Victorian food carts; craft workshops and period entertainment.

Children from local schools will be transported in vintage buses to the town centre to look around the market hall and join in the celebrations and games. Traders will wear Victorian dress and the clock tower and market hall will be decked out in celebratory bows and bunting.

Shoppers will be able to raise a glass of specially-brewed ‘1863 beer’ and try their hand at Victorian bread and butter making as well as watching cookery and pot throwing demonstrations.

Darlington’s Town Crier Peter Stemmer will be on hand to ensure visitors do not miss any of the attractions which also include pewter toy casting and furniture making demonstrations; a children’s juggling workshops and a treasure hunt.

Celebrations will continue the following day.

Nick Wallis, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for leisure and local environment, said: “The Covered Market is a truly stunning building which has seen Darlington develop and grow around it over the past 150 years.

“The events planned to mark its 150th anniversary are a fitting tribute to all the Covered Market has given to, and meant to Darlington over the years.”