Park and bike ride (From Living Northeast)
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Park and bike ride
12:36pm Monday 20th July 2009 in
Darlington is a vibrant town with a rich heritage. So what’s on this summer?
SOUTH Park is the oldest public park in the North-East. Originally known as The People’s Park, the 93-acre amenity was restored to its former Victorian splendour a few years ago with the help of Lottery funding, and is a great place to while away a few hours on a lovely summer’s day.
The revamped lake has boardwalks and central islands, there are two giant redwood trees opposite the Clock Tower and there’s a fountain opposite the main gates. At the Victoria Embankment entrance there’s a 12-ton boulder, which began life 80,000 years ago on Shap Fell in Cumbria and hitched a ride on a glacier down to the River Tees near Winston Bridge. It was moved to the park by traction engine in 1900.
South Park also has a bowling green, an aviary, a cafe and a playground. Or you could just take a loaf of stale bread and feed the ducks. Great fun for the kids... and the ducks won’t be complaining either.
SUMMER EVENTS
Darlington By-the-Sea, Thursday, July 23, 11am to 4pm
NOT going to the beach party this summer? Don’t worry, it’s coming to you. This year’s event in the market square has both a seaside and a nautical feel to it. With lots of sand, entertainment, children’s rides and a 60ft whale. Plus from 5pm to 8pm (13 to 19-year-olds) there’s music, games, and a prize for most outrageous Hawaiian shirt.
The Sherwoods Chevrolet Darlington 10km race Sunday, August 9, 10.30am, town centre.
One of the region’s longest-standing road races takes to the streets when more than 1,100 runners take part in the annual 10km. There is also a junior 3km race and a family fun run. darlington.gov.uk/events
Fancy A Dance? Thursday, August 13, 11am to 3pm
Put on your dancing shoes and shimmy along to the market square for a traditional tea dance to live music. Free cream teas.
Summer Market Spectacular, Thurs to Sun, August 13 to 16, 9am to 5pm
Darlington’s award-winning summer market promises to be a great day out for the whole family. Full range of entertainment.
Community Walk, Sunday, August 23, 10am, Springfield Park
Your chance to get out and active in the Darlington countryside. There is a scenic six-mile route which takes walkers through the Skerningham woodland and a 2.5-mile wheels-friendly route. darlington.gov/events
The Tour Of Britain (Stage 2), Sunday, September 13, town centre.
Darlington has been chosen, for the second year in succession, as a start venue for the 2009 Tour of Britain.
Don’t miss this opportunity to get up close to some of the stars from the world of cycling. tourofbritain.co.uk
Rhythm ’n’ Blues Spectacular, Sunday, September 20, 1pm to 5.30pm
Some of the top R&B acts around perform in both in the market square and surrounding venues. The Animals will headline this year’s event along with their special guest, Sixties blues icon Spencer Davis.
BBC Blast, Thursday to Saturday, September 24-26
Get Creative! Blast is coming to Darlington’s Market Square with free creative workshops for young people aged 13-19. For further details visit bbc.co.uk/blast Darlington Food Festival Friday to Sunday, September 2 to 4, 10am to 5pm Stalls, food marquees, a demonstration kitchen and lots more in the market square. Celebrity chef Paul Rankin will be the special guest on Sunday when he will demonstrate his culinary skills.
Journey Through Space, Saturday, October 31, gates open 6pm, South Park
An Alchemy Fireworks spectacular inspired by the 40th anniversary of man’s landing on the moon. Join around 50,000 people at one of the region’s biggest free events.
More information on darlington.gov.uk
