All the arts to be enjoyed at major festival event in Darlington

Borough Road, which runs from the Civic Theatre, past the Forum Music Centre, is establishing itself as an integral part of Darlington’s Cultural Quarter and on Sunday, May 10 it will host an Arts Showcase event.

The free event will be launched at 10am by the town’s mayor Gerald Lee and a whole host of activities will then follow along the themes of arts, music, crafts, leisure activities, theatre and dance.

Three open-air performance areas will be set up and shows will take place on these throughout the day.

Among those performing will be dance groups from Artspark, Stagecoach, Applause and Inspire Beyond.

Middleton Street Peace Garden, commemorating the loss of two local men in the First World War, will be opened at midday by Lord Sawyer, Chancellor of Teesside University and a Darlingtonian.

And Lord Sawyer will also formally open The Hub which is the new drop in service for 16 to 25-year-olds at the YMCA.

A display of public art will be set up in and around the area, with the opportunity to see artists in residence at work.

Stalls brimming with creative goods and quirky activities will be placed along Borough Road and in the Forum Music Centre which will also host live music in collaboration with Ian Sharp of Willow Creek and Beryl Guru of Musicians and Gigs.

The Forum’s café/bar will be open all day serving a selection of hot, home-made food, speciality teas and coffees and Real Ale.

The day will be rounded off with a ceilidh.

Heather Carter, event manager for Darlington for Culture, is looking forward to the showcase and said: “This will be a great day out for all the family with something to interest all age groups.

“There will be a diverse range of activities to join in and a terrific programme of entertainment on the three open-air performance areas.

“Come along and join in.”

Any arts group or organisations wishing to take part in the showcase can contact DfC at darlo4culture@gmail.com