07/07/2026
I hope the weather is good for this so Darlington can have a fun and enjoyable Pride weekend 🏳️🌈
This year’s Darlington Pride Weekend is set to be a colourful mix of music, entertainment and fun, thanks to sponsorship from Cummins Inc
The Pride Weekend, which takes place on 8 and 9 August, brings people of all ages together in celebration and support of the LGBTQIA+ community.
The fun runs from 11am to 5pm on Saturday 8 August with a day of free entertainment and live music in the Market Square. The annual vibrant Pride march will parade around the town centre from noon with everyone welcome to join in!
Throughout the day, the main stage will host an array of tribute acts, local performers and musicians including a special performance by Darlington OS. There will also be food stalls, traders, activities and local services sharing information. The full line up with be supported by British Sign Language interpretation ensuring everyone can join in the fun. Town centre venues will be continuing the party into the night.
On Sunday 9 August, the fun moves to Hopetown, Darlington with the annual Pride Picnic from noon-3pm. There will be crafts, face painting, live music, programmed by Tracks Darlington, bubbles and stilt walkers. Bring a picnic and come and join in the fun.
Cummins is the principal sponsors for the event, which is also supported by the Durham Police and Crime Commissioner and GSK. Local employers includingEE, Railpen, Northumbrian Water. Hays Travel, Sainsbury's and Student Loans Company are backing the event along with various local unions and support organisations.
Steve Morley, Cummins Darlington Campus Plant Manager, said: "Supporting Darlington Pride reflects our ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive workplace and being an active part of the communities where we live and work. Everyone deserves to feel they belong, and events like Pride are an important opportunity to celebrate diversity, encourage understanding and bring people together. We're delighted to be supporting the event once again and look forward to seeing another fantastic turnout."
Councillor Mary Layton, the council’s LGBTQIA+ ambassador said: “I would like to thank Cummins, and all the other businesses and organisations, who are supporting this year’s Darlington Pride. It is great to see so many organisations coming together to put on such a popular event.
“This is a great opportunity for the people to Darlington to celebrate inclusivity and acceptance together and I look forward to seeing everyone at the event.”
More details about Darlington Pride can be found at www.enjoydarlington.co.uk