All aboard for this year’ s community carnival

There’ll dancing in the streets as Darlington community carnival joins in the Stockton and Darlington railway bicentenary celebrations next month.

The theme of this year’s carnival, which takes place on Saturday 28 June, is ‘all aboard the Carnival Express’ and is being supported by the NHLF through the S&DR26miles project, as well as headline sponsors LNER and Darlington Round Table, local businesses and a tireless team of volunteers.

The fun starts at 9.45am in the Market Place and at Pease Monument where there will be performances by local community groups, then at 11.30am a railway-themed procession will head through the town to Stanhope Park.
Local artists have worked with community groups to create their railway-inspired costumes, banners and sculptures for the parade.

There will be local charity stalls, children’s rides and family craft and sports activities, food vendors, the carnival refreshment stall, supported by Greggs, Maggies and home bakers in Stanhope Park from 11am. Throughout the afternoon, visitors will be able to enjoy performances from dance groups, get down to the beat of amazing Samba bands and take part in a salsa dance. Thanks to the Forum Music Centre, local bands, including Los Capitanes will be showcasing their talents on the main stage.

This year’s chosen charity for the street collections is  Darlington Assistance for Refugees who work alongside side refugees and asylum seekers to help them rebuild their lives.

Kate Culverhouse, carnival chair, said: “We are delighted that this year’s carnival is part of the celebrations of the birth of the passenger railway. The original carnival was organised by railway workers and was known as the  Railway Carnival.  The carnival is always such a great event and we can’t wait to see everyone’s artistic efforts in the parade. I hope lots of people will come down to enjoy the day and support the local groups and charities involved.”

Jim Garner, cabinet member for stronger communities said: "2025 is an important year for Darlington history and I am delighted that carnival is joining in the celebrations. I would like to thank the volunteers who make sure it is such a successful event. The carnival is a great way for people of all ages to come together, have fun and raise money for a great cause. It is a real community event which is reflected in the chosen charity which extends the hand of friendship and community to those who need it most.”