Following the success of last year’s Leap Festival, event organiser Baccanalia has announced the Shildon Hearts Festival will light up the town square and Locomotion to celebrate connection and community on Friday 14 February between 3pm and 7pm.
The event also marks a historic milestone, honouring Shildon’s pivotal role in the birth of the Stockton & Darlington Railway on its 200th anniversary.
Spanning two locations, Locomotion and Shildon Town Square, a specially themed bus service, featuring performances from historical characters, will make it easy for visitors to enjoy all that’s on offer.
Visitors are encouraged to start their journey at Locomotion with a free workshop to make their own light-up heart with artist Adele Catchpole.
The venue will also showcase a light installation by emerging artist Hannah Kelly in the form of a large glowing book called Travelling Tales, which brings local stories to life through the creativity of Shildon’s primary school children.
The heart of the festival lies in Shildon Town Square where the beautiful heart-shaped light installation, Love IRL, by local artist Stuart Langley will take centre stage for one night only. Visitors are encouraged to add their own light-up heart to a growing community display of love, surrounding the Love IRL sculpture that has already toured all over the UK. Local charity, Shildon Alive will also be in the town square celebrating the event, running a selection of activities for visitors to get involved in.
To further embrace the spirit of the event, local businesses, many within walking distance of the Town Square, will display glowing hearts in their windows, adding a touch of community connection to Shildon’s streets.
Local community groups have also been creating their own hearts in the run-up to the event which will be added to the community display.
Shildon Town Mayor, Councillor Shirley Quinn said: “The Shildon Hearts Festival is all about bringing people together, precious family time away from technology as well as being creative.
“It’s a chance for the community to unite, celebrate our shared history, and create something truly special.
“I encourage everyone to get involved, join the celebrations, and help light up Shildon with love and connection.”
The Shildon Hearts Festival is generously funded by Durham County Council and UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund and has been made possible through the collaboration of Baccanalia, Durham County Council, Shildon Town Council and Locomotion.
Further thanks go to community partners, Shildon Alive and Jubilee Fields Community Centre, as well as Timothy Hackworth, Thornhill, and St John’s C of E Primary Schools for their support and contributions.
This free community event serves as a memorable reminder of the power of art and culture to unite communities, celebrating Shildon’s history, its people, and its stories.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
