Darlington’s biannual restaurant week kicks off on Saturday 25 October and runs throughout half term until Friday 31 October with a great selection of eateries taking part with offers including two courses for £15 or three courses for £20.

Those businesses signing up include those offering Italian, Indian and Mexican food as well as tapas and seafood which means there’s something for everyone. 

The restaurants involved have some fantastic offers so why not head into town during half term, start your Christmas shopping and grab a great value bite to eat at the same time.

Cllr Chris McEwan, cabinet member for economy said: “Restaurant week is something we know people really appreciate and enjoy as it gives people the opportunity to try out our café and restaurant offer in a more cost-effective way. It’s great to see so many local businesses both town centre based and around our borough, getting involved and taking part with some great menus on offer.

“Events like restaurant week are a great example of the proactive work going on to ensure Darlington remains an attractive venue for socialising, eating out and visiting.”

For all restaurants involved and menus, please visit the Enjoy Darlington website or Facebook page:

Enjoy Darlington - Details or Facebook

The event took place over two days on Tuesday and Wednesday and was aimed at encouraging and inspiring young people to consider a career in science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM). 

Hosted by Darlington Borough Council, the event was held at Hopetown, Darlington's award-winning railway-themed visitor attraction.

Around 2000 local children aged between 10 and 13 years old, visited and enjoyed the two-day event where more than fifty exhibitors showcased the diverse range of STEM careers available across the region, using hands on interactive activities and engaging presentations and exhibitions. 

This event supports one of the priorities set out in the Council Plan – to give children and young people the best start in life, realising their potential and raising aspirations.

Cllr Chris McEwan, cabinet member for economy said: “It was great to see so many young people at the event who were full of interest and enthusiasm for the presentations and exhibitions they were seeing and getting involved in. It also offered a unique opportunity for those businesses who operate in the STEM sectors to showcase their organisation to the potential workforce of the future.

“This week’s event is a great example of the council offering direct and meaningful support to not only our young people, but to our local businesses and economy. The event was entirely free to attend and some of the feedback I’ve received from those attending has been nothing short of outstanding.

“Events like this offer a unique opportunity to get children and young people engaged and interested in STEM careers by seeing and experiencing first hand some of the exciting job prospects in this area and I hope those attending have taken much away that will assist them in their career development in years to come."

The event was sponsored by global power technology leader, Cummins. Other sponsors include Amazon, Darlington College, Husqvarna, KIER, Darlington Building Society, Willmott Dixon and North East STEM Foundation

An afternoon of Diwali celebrations is set to happen in Darlington’s Indoor Market.

On Saturday 11 October, there will be a range of activities including music, dancing and crafts throughout the afternoon in the market hall from 2pm until 7pm.

A DJ is set to play Bollywood music throughout the event along with performances by the Bollywood dancers of Navrang Arts and celebrations with the Indian Cultural Society.

A Bollywood singer, MA3 Sensation is also performing at 3pm as well as dance troupe Daksha Asher’s group Navrang Arts between 4:30 and 5pm and Dhol drummers at 5:30pm.

Running alongside the music and dancing is a drop in Diwali themed craft session to get involved in throughout the afternoon including the opportunity to decorate lanterns.  

All residents, visitors and shoppers are welcome to drop in throughout the day and join in the celebrations.