Darlington
Local stories, people, organisations and useful developments connected with Darlington.
Darlington memorial service opens Baby Loss Awareness Week support to all families
A public memorial service at Holy Trinity on 11 October will sit alongside upgraded bereavement facilities and continuing NHS support in Darlington.
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Families invited to plant 8,500 bulbs across Darlington parks this half-term
Free planting sessions will add spring colour around more than 100 trees while supporting pollinators and community pride.
Accessibility fund opens up more of Darlington’s historic pumping station
Volunteer-run Tees Cottage Pumping Station has improved paths and access after receiving support from a Tees Valley scheme designed to make visitor attractions more inclusive.
Plans submitted for new STEM centre at Darlington Science Park
A proposed specialist STEM centre at Central Park would bring laboratories, immersive learning facilities and a 200-seat lecture theatre to Darlington’s innovation district.
Darlington children’s physiotherapy lead takes paediatric MSK case to national stage
Chloe Wearmouth is using her work with children and young people in the North East to argue for stronger specialist musculoskeletal services nationally.
Darlington’s new Health Squad takes care to people who struggle to reach it
A new community health service is helping Darlington residents who face barriers to traditional healthcare, with more than 40 people already supported since June.
Darlington career changer earns first-class audiology degree while working full-time
Former retail worker Tom Prince has graduated with first-class honours after retraining through a four-year audiology degree apprenticeship while working in local NHS services.
Hopetown’s Haunted Night turns Darlington’s railway museum into an after-hours Halloween playground
Ghost trains, fire performers, a trick-or-treat trail, silent disco and live music are coming to Hopetown Darlington for a family Halloween evening on 30 October.
New graduate intake starts careers with Tees accountancy firm
Seven new trainees have joined Clive Owen across its northern offices, including new starters in Darlington and Middlesbrough, as the firm continues its graduate training programme.
Hopetown’s free Steam Festival brings a month of railway heritage to Darlington
Historic locomotives, cab access, live performance and steam rides are part of a month-long S&DR201 celebration at Hopetown Darlington from 5 to 27 September.
Thousands of community-made peg dolls reach the final station at Hopetown
A free September exhibition at Hopetown Darlington brings together thousands of hand-crafted peg dolls created by communities during the Stockton & Darlington Railway bicentenary celebrations.
Last Train Home fills Darlington venues with live music and comedy this Saturday
Darlington’s Last Train Home Festival returns on Saturday 5 September, spreading regional and national music and comedy across three town-centre venues.
Darlington’s free Rhythm & Tunes weekend celebrates 30 years of town-centre music
Darlington’s Rhythm & Tunes Festival returns across 11 to 13 September, with free live music in Market Square and performances in town-centre venues.
Darlington tenants raise £1,700 to support dogs waiting for new homes
Residents from Branksome Hall Drive and Darlington Council housing staff have handed £1,700 to Dogs Trust Darlington, with the money staying at the local centre to support enrichment activities and veterinary care.
Adam Garcia’s Emerald Storm brings Irish dance and urban tap to Darlington
The new touring production co-created by Adam Garcia combines Irish dance, urban tap and live music at Darlington Hippodrome on Thursday 10 September.
Whitney Houston tribute returns to Darlington with full live band
Queen of the Night celebrates three decades of Whitney Houston songs at Darlington Hippodrome on Wednesday 9 September.
Sensational 60s Experience brings a night of classic pop to Darlington
The touring Sensational 60s Experience reaches Darlington Hippodrome on Tuesday 8 September with a line-up of acts from the decade.
80s Live brings a two-dozen-song retro party to Darlington
A live band and cast will take Darlington Hippodrome through hits associated with Wham!, Madonna, Duran Duran, Rick Astley and more on Friday 4 September.
Carpenters tribute brings West End musicians to Darlington Hippodrome
The British Carpenters, starring Sally Creedon as Karen Carpenter, bring the duo’s best-known songs to Darlington on Thursday 3 September.
Celine Dion tribute brings four decades of hits to Darlington Hippodrome
My Heart Will Go On arrives at Darlington Hippodrome on Wednesday 2 September with a live band and a set built around Celine Dion’s best-known songs.
Darlington turns 530 tonnes of food waste into energy and farm fertiliser
Darlington households have recycled more than 530 tonnes of food waste in the first 12 weeks of the borough's collection scheme, with the material being converted into low-carbon energy, vehicle fuel and fertiliser.
Almost 2,000 Darlington pupils set for hands-on STEM careers event at Hopetown
Destination STEM Hopetown returns in October, bringing almost 2,000 local children together with nearly 50 employers and education providers for two days of hands-on science, technology, engineering and maths activities.
Darlington GP partnership puts NHS App skills into free adult learning courses
A new partnership between Learning & Skills Darlington and all 11 GP practices in the town will help residents build everyday digital skills and learn how to use the NHS App.
Tees Valley’s ten-year growth plan puts skills, transport and local businesses at the centre
A new ten-year Local Growth Plan sets out how the region intends to focus investment on business growth, transport links, skills and attracting new employers.
ABBA tribute brings a Bank Holiday terrace party to Walworth Castle today
Absolutely ABBA takes over Walworth Castle near Darlington this afternoon, with two hours of live music, a barbecue and terrace drinks for the August Bank Holiday weekend.
British Sign Language courses open in Darlington and Middlesbrough this September
The Deaf Empowerment Network is starting new British Sign Language courses in Darlington and Middlesbrough this September, with teaching delivered by qualified Deaf tutors.
Hopetown’s free Dementia Café keeps a regular place open for conversation and company
The Darlington railway attraction is continuing its fortnightly Dementia Café through December for people living with dementia, families, friends and carers.
Free September workshops bring funding and start-up support across the Tees Valley
A run of fully funded workshops will take practical business support to Stockton, Hartlepool, Redcar and Darlington during September.
Hopetown is turning into Spooktown for a week of ghost trains, trails and Halloween science
Hopetown Darlington’s October half-term programme combines free site activities with separately ticketed science, bushcraft and after-dark events.
Dog Man bounds onto the Darlington Hippodrome stage for seven September shows
The European stage adaptation of Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man books plays Darlington Hippodrome from 11 to 13 September, with seven performances across the weekend.
Hopetown Comic Con turns Darlington’s railway museum into a Doctor Who playground
Hopetown Darlington is hosting a Doctor Who-themed Comic Con on 3 October, with actors, Daleks, cosplay, traders and family tickets from £3.
Darlington’s railway coffee morning is still making room for conversation ten years on
Hopetown’s free monthly group for men with railway connections continues this autumn after marking its tenth anniversary earlier this year.
Darlington opens nominations for the people quietly making the town better
Residents have until 5pm on Friday 11 September to nominate local volunteers, students, businesses, public-service workers and community champions for the 2026 Stronger Communities Awards.
Hopetown opens its railway workshops for a free September heritage weekend
Darlington Locomotive Works and the 1861 Shed will open free of charge on 5 and 6 September, with family activities on Saturday and a deeper engineering focus on Sunday.
Darlington’s free Rhythm & Tunes Weekend returns with two days of live music
Rock, blues, R&B, tribute acts and local performers will fill Darlington town centre on 12 and 13 September for the free Rhythm & Tunes Weekend.
Last Train Home brings more than 40 music and comedy acts to Darlington
Darlington’s multi-venue Last Train Home Festival returns on 5 September with six stages, more than 40 performers and a mix of independent music and comedy.
Darlington hospital changes earn Sophie’s Legacy recognition
County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust has become the first organisation in the North East to receive Sophie’s Legacy Approved Hospital recognition after improving food, parent meals and seven-day play support for children.
Two Carmel pupils celebrate GCSE success after serious illness
Carmel College pupils Clara G and Clara C have achieved strong GCSE results after treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma and major spinal surgery disrupted their studies.
One fairytale day down, dinosaurs next for Darlington
Darlington’s free summer programme brought storybook characters to the town centre on 20 August, with a Dinosaur Day still to come on Thursday 27 August.
Darlington's free school uniform shop extends opening hours for summer
Darlington Cares has extended summer hours at its free uniform shop, which has supplied nearly 50,000 items and kept more than 22 tonnes of clothing in use.
New research aims to strengthen self-esteem and mental health support for teenagers
One of the strengths of the project is its focus on prevention as much as treatment. A new piece of research led by Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust is shining a light on a subject many young people quietly struggle with: self-esteem. The project focuses on teenagers who are experiencing low…
Tees Valley Housing Partnership Launched to Accelerate Affordable Homes Across the Region
A new regional partnership has been launched with the ambition of transforming how affordable homes are delivered across Tees Valley. The new initiative is bringing together housing associations, local authorities and public bodies under a shared commitment to collaboration rather than competition. The Tees Valley…
Deal Agreed With Global Aviation Leader To Support Multi-Million Pound Airport Expansion
A deal to support multi-million-pound expansion of aircraft maintenance operations at Teesside International Airport – creating hundreds of highly skilled jobs – has today been agreed. Global aviation leader Willis Aviation Services Limited (WASL) has signed a 250-year lease agreement for 50 acres of airport land…
Burtree Garden Village Unveils Arboretum Plans to Enhance Community Green Spaces
Plans for Burtree Garden Village included an arboretum, foraging trail and extensive shared green space alongside a first phase of 750 homes.
CommunityCommunity Celebrates at Middleton Hall Village Show: Live Music, Medieval Battles, and Family Fun
It was a day full of fun and games, arts and crafts, giant onions, owls, music and medieval battles at the Middleton Hall Retirement Village Show. Friends, families and visitors from the local area joined residents from the village’s care services and independently owned retirement properties at the event on Saturday 14 September. The day […]
CharityMiddleton Hall’s Open Gardens Event Raises Nearly £800 for Charity
The tranquil grounds of Middleton Hall Retirement Village in Middleton St George became a vibrant hub of activity last month as the village opened its gardens to the public in support of charity. Hosted as part of the National Garden Scheme (NGS), the annual open day saw garden enthusiasts from across the region flock to […]
Gill to Run the Great North Run in Support of Teesside Mind
Gill Campbell, a dedicated primary school teacher, is taking on a tremendous challenge this year. On 8th September, she will be lacing up her trainers to participate in the renowned Great North Run, all for an extraordinary cause close to her heart – Teesside Mind. Teesside Mind is an invaluable charity that…
Sparkling Performances Light Up Billingham’s Theatre Upstairs
Billingham’s Theatre Upstairs hosted Starlight Nights, a vintage variety show bringing local singers, magic and Broadway favourites together in support of Autism Matters.
Unlocking Darlington’s Business Potential: Exclusive Property Tours with Carver Commercial
North East entrepreneurs, commercial investors and business agents are invited to take part in a musical tour to discover the wealth of opportunities available to people looking to open or expand their business in Darlington. Calling all North East visionaries, investors, and commercial pioneers! Brace yourselves…
Events Give New Opportunities For Cultural Leaders In Tees Valley
Training to develop leadership in the arts and culture has been unveiled as part of a new package of events for Spring and Summer 2024. Clore Leadership, the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority have announced a series of new events in an ongoing programme of leadership development opportunities for the…
New Funding To Boost Region’s Artistic Talent
A new fund to champion the region’s creatives has been launched, with five artists or collectives set to secure £30,000 each to accelerate their careers. Tees Valley Artists of the Year 2024 & 2025 will see talent from creative backgrounds including dance, theatre, visual arts, music, literature and film selected…
Darlington Earns Prestigious Purple Flag for Exceptional Nightlife Experience in 2024
For the fifth year in a row, Darlington has been flagged as a great place for a night out. Following a thorough re-assessment process, the town has been awarded the prestigious purple flag award in recognition of its safe, welcoming, and diverse night-time economy. The accreditation, which is similar to the Blue…
Teesside couple say “I do” for real at wedding photo shoot
An invitation to model as bride and groom for a photoshoot has ended in the happy couple tying the knot for real. Annabelle Rose and Mark O’Shaughnessy from Durham have been together for four years. Annabelle responded to a plea on social media from our marketing department for two models to pose as bride and […]
Supporting students get ‘Career Ready’ in Tees Valley
Students in Tees Valley are set to benefit from employability support and opportunities thanks to the expansion of the partnership between bp and Career Ready, a leading social mobility charity in the UK. The partnership, which launched on 31 January, will see up to 40 young people, aged 16-18, at six schools and…
Darlington Council: Renowned science exhibition coming to Darlington
The renowned STEMFest science exhibition for children and young people is coming to Darlington in March 2024. Hosted together with the North East STEM Hub, which is delivered by RTC North, the two-day event aims to inspire and encourage children, between the ages of 10 and 13, to consider a future career in…
Darlington Council: Free social media workshop
Clubs, community groups and local businesses, with sustainability at their heart are being encouraged to take a leap of faith and sign up for a free social media workshop on Thursday 29 February, Set to take place at the Dolphin Centre from 6-8pm, the two-hour session will be delivered by Kerry Metcalfe owner and…
Darlington Council: Dolphin Centre pool re-opening date confirmed
Darlington confirmed that the Dolphin Centre’s main pool would reopen on 26 January 2024 after essential work, while repairs continued elsewhere in the pool complex.
Darlington Council: Search is on for dogs with star quality
Do you think you dog has star quality? Does your four-legged friend adore the camera? Then we want to hear from you. We’re on the hunt for some handsome hounds and pretty pooches to feature in a special video we’re planning as part of our ongoing Bag It Bin It campaign to tackle dog fouling. […]
Darlington Council: Meet the Youth MP candidates
Five young people are campaigning to Darlington’s next Member of Youth Parliament. Between now and Friday 1 March, the candidates will be campaigning to gain the votes of young people in Darlington. They will each have three main topics which they are campaigning for. Once elected, this young person will represent…
Empowering the next generation with theatre and dance
Darlington Hippodrome has announced a new term of youth theatre and dance classes. Designed to inspire and enable young people to explore their creativity, build confidence, and develop life-long skills, Darlington Hippodrome’s youth theatre and youth dance classes provide a platform for self-expression and a…
Darlington Council: Popular jobs fair returns in February
Around 100 exhibitors are expected to join us at our hugely popular Darlington Jobs Fair on 8 February 2024 at the Dolphin Centre. The free event coincides with National Apprenticeship Week and has opportunities for people of all ages, interests and backgrounds, including people who are seeking employment, those…
Darlington Confirmed as Second HQ For Department For Business and Trade
Darlington Economic Campus has been confirmed as the second headquarters for the Department for Business and Trade – further establishing the town as major location for UK Government. The announcement by the Secretary of State for Business and Trade Kemi Badenoch will bring additional high quality civil service…
Number 10 Office Open For Business in Darlington
The Prime Minister used a new Number 10 office at Darlington’s Economic Campus in November 2022, as plans developed for a larger government base at Brunswick.