Easter fun in Darlington
Traditional fairground rides will be offering thrills and spills in the Market Square throughout the school holidays while visitors young and old can scour the book shelves to hunt down the hidden Easter Eggs at Crown Street Library.
The Easter Extravaganza gets underway from Saturday 31 March until Monday 2 April, 11am-3pm. (Excludes Sunday). Youngsters can follow the free Easter Trail for a chance of winning an Easter Egg and sweets for all who complete the trail. There’s free face painting and crafts and street theatre to keep all ages entertained. Registration for the Egg Trail is Joseph Pease Place.
Musician Chris Pryke will be performing throughout the town centre between noon and 2pm and Hurworth Jazz Band will perform in West Row from 11am–3pm (inside the Indoor Market if weather is bad). A special Craft Market will take place alongside the town’s traditional Saturday and Monday markets.
Chris McEwan, Darlington Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Economy and Regeneration, said:
“Our events team and local retailers have put together a fantastic range of activities to make Easter in Darlington fun and family friendly. Alongside a great range of independent shops, indoor and outdoor markets and national retailers plus bars, restaurants and cafes, Darlington is the place to be this Easter."
The Easter events programme includes the following:
Easter Bonnet Workshop - Good Friday 30 March, 11am-4pm, Cornmill Shopping Centre. Decorate an Easter Bonnet to take away free of charge. For details visit www.cornmillcentre.co.uk
Family arts and crafts - Friday 30 March - Friday 13 April, Tuesday-Friday, 10am-3pm, Head of Steam. Fun activities and crafts for all the family. Included in admission and yearly passes.
Easter Eggstravaganza - Saturday 31 March and Monday 2 April, Joseph Pease Place and town centre shops. Easter fun, with an egg trail and entertainment around the town.
Craft Market - Saturday 31 March and Monday 2 April, all day, West Row and High Row. Alongside the usual Saturday and Monday markets there will be a free Craft Market. Anyone interested in having a stall can contact Darlington Markets on 07966 487773.
Fairground - Friday 30 March - Saturday 14 April, 10am-5pm, Market Square. Frank Smith’s Amusements visit the town with a host of fairground rides.
Easter Egg Hunt - throughout Easter school holidays, usual opening hours, Crown Street Library. A tasty treat awaits those who complete the hunt. (Free, but only while stocks last.)
Easter Special - Sunday 1 April, 10am-4pm, Head of Steam. An ‘Eggstraspecial’ Easter treat, with activities including Egg Hunt, face painting, arts and crafts and lots more. Admission £2 for adults, £1 for children, under 5s and family pass members go free.
Peter Rabbit and a giant Easter Egg hunt - Easter Monday 2 April, 11am – 4pm. Enjoy some Easter fun at Queen Street Shopping Centre.
Easter Pottery Painting and Easter Egg Hunt - Easter Monday 2 April, 11am-4pm, Cornmill Shopping Centre. Decorate a selection of ceramic and porcelain pots including money boxes, egg cups and trinket boxes free of charge and enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt taking place throughout the Centre. For details visit www.cornmillcentre.co.uk
There will also be a host of activities throughout the school holidays, including a new pool float, at the Dolphin Centre. Visit www.healthydarlington.co.uk for details.
For more information about library services and events log onto the website at Darlington Libraries, visit the Facebook page, Bookstart in Darlington, pop into one of the libraries or call 01325 349610. Details of other events can be found on the website at www.darlington.gov.uk/darlingtonevents