Loud, proud and wild: Darlington Community Carnival delights residents in parade

Darlington was buzzing and filled with the booming sound of music and drums yesterday as the annual carnival danced, sang, and cheered through the town centre.

Darlington Carnival returned once again with a bang on Saturday (June 29) as hundreds stepped out to parade through town in the annual celebration showcasing the community.

Marching from Market Square to Stanhope Park at 11:30am, everyone from kids to grandparents were spotted dressed up as butterflies, giraffes, and bees, proudly waving flags and beating drums to the beat of their steps.

Pedestrians in the town centre made way for the seemingly endless snaking parade of smiling people - many being relatives of those involved who were eagerly waiting to wave and cheer from the sidelines.

Mum and daughter Ellie Dhiman, 45 and Freya Dhiman, 20, were just two of the revellers who got into the party spirit for the carnival.

Dancing for the group Baque de Ogum, an African Brazillian dance troupe, the two were instantly recognisable in their larger-than-life dresses as they twirled to the music.

Freya told the Echo: "It's been great to far. I always love doing parades, it's really nice to do something for the community."

Mum Ellie added: "The crowd have been brilliant this year too - really up for it!"

Friends Wendy Phin, 56 and Kath Bone, 57, were another duo who joined in - this time from Newcastle-based drumming group the Bangshees.

Kath said: "It's been great to be here today - to be a part of it all. Seeing everyone and how many people have shown up to see us has been amazing."

Here are just a few pictures of the day - can you spot yourself?

Darlington Carnival, 2024. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Darlington Carnival, 2024. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Darlington Carnival, 2024. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Darlington Carnival, 2024. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Darlington Carnival, 2024. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Darlington Carnival, 2024. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Darlington Carnival, 2024. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Darlington Carnival, 2024. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Darlington Carnival, 2024. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Darlington Carnival, 2024. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Darlington Carnival, 2024. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Darlington Carnival, 2024. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Darlington Carnival, 2024. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Darlington Carnival, 2024. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Darlington Carnival, 2024. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Darlington Carnival, 2024. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Darlington Carnival, 2024. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Darlington Carnival, 2024. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Click the image above for more local events (Image: Newsquest)

Darlington Carnival, 2024. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Darlington Carnival, 2024. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Darlington Carnival, 2024. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Darlington Carnival, 2024. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Darlington Carnival, 2024. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Darlington Carnival, 2024. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Darlington Carnival, 2024. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Darlington Carnival, 2024. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Darlington Carnival, 2024. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Darlington Carnival, 2024. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Darlington Carnival, 2024. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

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Darlington Carnival, 2024. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Darlington Carnival, 2024. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)