THREE days of sun, sea and sand is set to return to Darlington as an ever-popular free family event surfs back into town.

From 11am until 5pm from Thursday, July 25, until Saturday, July 27, families can have fun in the sun along with a bucket load of free activities.

For guests of all ages, there will be sandcastle building, face painting, balloon modelling, clowns Dot and Zooky, circus skills with Tom Rolf, a bubble show and much more to keep everyone entertained.

Organised by Darlington Borough Council and sponsored by Arriva, the Darlington by the Sea event will see more than 40 tonnes of sand delivered to the Market Square to create a unique inland beach, complete with seaside treats.

Councillor Alan Marshall, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for economy and regeneration, said: “This is a really popular family event which will help to kick start a fun packed programme of events and activities throughout the summer holidays to keep boredom at bay and will also encourage people to come into town to enjoy what’s on offer.

"Many thanks to Arriva for supporting this event."

Nathan Stanislawski, Arriva’s general manager at Darlington, added: “We are delighted to support this event and to help encourage people to come into town, especially on one of our regular services into Darlington."

For more information about upcoming events in the town, visit

darlington.gov.uk/darlingtonevents