A SUMMER of fun is on the way for Darlington residents with the unveiling of a packed programme of events and activities.

Organisers say there will be something for everyone, with everything from challenging cycle rides, road runs and fun runs for the more active to outdoor musical performances, arts festival, the community carnival and family fun days.

The fun has already kicked off with the first of a series of cycle rides and the Race For Life, which raises money for Cancer Research UK, which took place on Sunday.

Later this month the St Teresa’s Hospice Midnight Walk will return to South Park on June 17.

This year’s Community Carnival, in aid of Growing Older Living in Darlington (GOLD), will take place in the town centre on June 25, when the theme will be animals and endangered species.

The parade leaves the Market Square at noon and will make its way to Stanhope Park where there will be lots of family entertainment including music and charity stalls.

The following day, Proms in the Park will return to the South Park Bandstand for an outdoor musical event led by The Royal Signals (Northern) Band along with local and regional bands.

July will see two more challenging cycle rides on July 3 and 31, and there will be a colourful Mass Dance performance in the Market Square on July 2 from 1pm to 2pm.

It will be followed by another popular outdoor music concert, Our Big Gig, at South Park Bandstand on July 3.

Among the highlights of this year’s programme will be the Festival of Ingenuity on July 8 and 9 in the Market Square and Dolphin Centre.

This will be a celebration of ingenious businesses in Darlington and will include entertainment and attractions for the whole family to enjoy.

The Head of Steam railway museum will be hosting a summer fun day on July 17 from 10am to 4pm.

The annual Sherwoods Darlington 10K will take place on August 7, with more 2,000 runners from across the North-East and beyond taking part.

There will also be the Darlington Junior 3K for ages 8 to 14 along with a family fun run for all ages.

The Town Centre and Market Square will be getting a seaside feel as Darlington by the Sea returns as part of the Summer Market Family Fun Days from August 11 to 14.

The summer programme draws to a close in September with the Hell of the North event on September 4, a gruelling 100-mile cycle ride which is recommended for experienced cyclists only.

The 21st anniversary of the Darlington Rhythm & Blues Festival will then be celebrated on September 11.

Councillor Nick Wallis, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for leisure, said: “There really is something for everyone this summer in Darlington as our events team has worked with local partners to produce a packed programme of events and activities.”

Visit www.darlington.gov.uk/darlingtonevents for more details on the summer events programme.