Shildon came alive on Saturday as the community gathered to celebrate the Bi-Centenary of the Railway at this year’s special commemorative Fun4All event.
With perfect weather, a packed schedule of free activities, and a vibrant community spirit, the event marked a milestone in both local heritage and community engagement.
This year’s celebration was bigger and better than ever, thanks to the special anniversary.
It was great to welcome Murphey’s Funfair who provided the Traditional Carousel and Helter Skelter, which kept crowds entertained throughout the day, and the ever-popular Land Zorbs, where families bounced around in giant hamster-style zorbs.
Long-time favourites also made a welcome return, Just Climb and Party Time Inflatables with the amazing inflatable course.
The event kicked off with the ‘Little Street Cavalcade’, a community-led parade that brought colour and energy to the streets of Shildon.
Special thanks go to former Shildon Town Councillor, Dave Reynolds for his instrumental roles in organising and delivering this fantastic opening spectacle. Also, to the Town Clerk, Glenn Gibson for supporting on the day and ensure it was a safe event for spectators to enjoy.
It was great to see the community spirit as people lined the streets to watch the amazing community groups parade through Church Street and into Hackworth Park, led by the Mayor David Bell.
Aycliffe & Brancepeth Band, Newton Aycliffe Pipe Band and Houghton Le Spring Pipe band provided the music to lead the parade, and they did not disappoint, locals amazed by their performances.
Stallholders and Charitable organisations were overwhelmed, and the event had exceeded their expectations with the funds raised. So, thank you again Shildon for the amazing support you offered these local community and voluntary projects.
For all the organisations who provided information on local services, they too, fed back that they had a successful day and spoke with many local people, providing invaluable information to Shildon’s residents.
This event would not be possible without funding from Shildon Town Council, Stockton and Darlington Railway community, Livin and Northern Heartlands who are delivering Place Lab.
A huge thank you to everyone involved in delivering the event including our partners, funders and especially our local community, who again came out to enjoy the day in their droves.
Here’s to another 200 years of railway heritage and community pride!
Thank You, Shildon.