## Darlington World Cultural Day Celebrates Diversity and Community This news report from **The Northern Echo**, authored by **Joshua Nichol**, details the vibrant **Darlington World Cultural Day** held on **Sunday**. The event, which aimed to celebrate the diverse cultures within Darlington's communities, transformed the town centre with color, rhythm, and flavor. ### Key Highlights of the Event: * **Celebration of World Cultures:** The core purpose of the event was to showcase and celebrate the diverse traditions and communities that make up Darlington. * **Diverse Performances:** Attendees were treated to a variety of live performances, including: * Dance groups such as **Spanish Influences**, **Teesside Irish Dancing**, and **Navrang Arts** (featuring Bollywood-inspired routines). * **Reid Street Primary School** performed traditional songs. * Interactive **African drumming workshops** were held at the Dolphin Centre. * **Culinary Delights:** Food lovers had the opportunity to sample offerings from North East businesses, including **Olumo Foods** and **Iyawa Afro-Caribbean Foods & Kitchen**, located in the market place. * **Community Engagement:** The event featured information and exhibition stalls, with one specifically showcasing poems by children, fostering a sense of community spirit and participation. * **Official Opening:** The celebrations commenced at **11 am** with a welcome address from **Cllr Jim Garner**, cabinet member for stronger communities at Darlington Borough Council. ### Official Statements and Impact: **Cllr Jim Garner** emphasized the event's significance, stating: > "This event celebrates the different traditions and communities which make up our town and is a vibrant and joyous expression of the diverse experiences of local people." He further highlighted the event's role in fostering social cohesion: > "It is an opportunity for people of all ages, and backgrounds to come together, learn and connect - contributing to safer, more engaged communities where people are heard and valued." Beyond its cultural and social impact, Cllr Garner also pointed out the positive economic implications: > "Events like this also drive footfall to the town centre which supports local businesses and helps position Darlington as a great place to invest and do business." ### Event Details: * **Event Name:** Darlington World Cultural Day * **Date:** Sunday (specific date not provided, but implied to be recent) * **Start Time:** 11 am * **Location:** Darlington town centre, including the Dolphin Centre and market place. * **Organizer/Supporter:** Darlington Borough Council (represented by Cllr Jim Garner). * **Publisher:** The Northern Echo * **Author:** Joshua Nichol * **Published At:** 2025-07-13 20:00:00 (Note: This is the publication date of the article, not necessarily the event date).
Darlington alive with colour, rhythm and flavour for World Cultural Day
Read original at The Northern Echo →A town came alive with colour, rhythm, and flavour on Sunday for an event celebrating world cultures.Darlington World Cultural Day, which aims to celebrate the diverse cultures of the town's communities, featured music, dance, food, and lots of community spirit.Visitors were treated to live performances from dance groups like Spanish Influences, Teesside Irish Dancing, and Navrang Arts, who showcased Bollywood-inspired routines.
Reid Street Primary School also took to the stage with traditional songs, while the Dolphin Centre hosted interactive African drumming workshops.Food lovers were invited to sample offerings from North East businesses, including Olumo Foods and Iyawa Afro-Caribbean Foods & Kitchen, in the market place.
Pictures from the event:(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) The event also featured information and exhibition stalls, with one showcasing poems by children.
The celebrations kicked off at 11am, with a warm welcome from Cllr Jim Garner, cabinet member for stronger communities at Darlington Borough Council.Recommended readingTwo people taken to hospital after crash closes A1(M) near Newton AycliffePictures as thousands come together for 139th Big Meeting in DurhamProposal for criminal records checks for North Yorkshire councillorsCouncillor Garner said: "This event celebrates the different traditions and communities which make up our town and is a vibrant and joyous expression of the diverse experiences of local people."
It is an opportunity for people of all ages, and backgrounds to come together, learn and connect - contributing to safer, more engaged communities where people are heard and valued."He also highlighted the event's positive impact on the town's economy, adding: "Events like this also drive footfall to the town centre which supports local businesses and helps position Darlington as a great place to invest and do business."
