Sustainable fun in Darlington

Families enjoyed sustainable fun in the sun with free crazy bikes, bike powered smoothie making and Scalextric racing in the market square and sustainable arts and crafts indoors in Central Hall, Dolphin Centre.

More fun is set to continue with extra free activities tomorrow including free science workshops with solar panels and wind power, and a virtual reality bug encounter where youngsters can encounter all kinds of mini beasts without the fear of the real thing.

A wide range of sustainable business and charities set out their stalls across the weekend indoors to show how they do business in a sustainable way and how people can get involved. Organisations included Acorn Dairy, Nationwide Building Society, Willmott Dixon, Respect Soaps, Sustainable bridalwear and a range of community groups including Darlington Beekeepers Association and many more.

Outdoors a range of new electric vehicles were on display for the weekend from local dealerships.

Councillor Chris McEwan, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for economy said:

“This unique and free event brought families and businesses together to explore sustainable living in a range of ways including enjoying free family fun on bikes and eco arts and crafts. It also gave people the chance to find out more about being more sustainable in everyday life and in business.

“The fun carries on tomorrow and I urge people to pop into Central Hall and explore what’s on offer inside as well as the great family fun in the market square.”

This work will contribute to the council’s pledge to become carbon neutral by 2050. This pledge covers all service areas, and the council aims to encourage residents and businesses to join it on the journey towards a greener and more sustainable future. More details are available at: www.darlington.gov.uk/sustainable