It's Darlington Brick Show this weekend…

We’re absolutely thrilled by the response of ticket sales. The event is now fully sold out and we do not have any walk-up tickets available for Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st May.

To keep everything running smoothly (and safely), if you don’t already hold a ticket for this weekend, we kindly ask that you do not travel to site. This also applies if you were hoping to visit Hopetown without attending the LEGO event, as the site will be at full capacity.

We know it’s a bit of a brick wall to hit if you missed out – thank you for understanding 🙏

We’ll be back open as usual from Tuesday, and the good news is… Darlington Brick Show will return next year! 🎉

"Today is victory in Europe day"

May 8, 1945. London.

At 3pm on 8 May 1945, Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill declared that all German forces had surrendered. It marked the end of almost six years of war in Europe, in which 384,000 British soldiers and 70,000 civilians were killed.

Broadcasting live on radio, Churchill declared the "unconditional surrender of all German land, sea, and air forces in Europe" to the nation.

Hostilities would formally end at a minute past midnight, he said, pronouncing: "The German war is therefore at an end." In his famously stirring tone, he reflected on how, after France fell, Britain "maintained the struggle" against Hitler's forces "singlehandedly" for a year before being joined by "our splendid Allies".

"We may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing… Today is victory in Europe day."

He signed off: "Let us not forget for a moment the toil and efforts that lie ahead. Advance Britannia. Long live the cause of freedom. God save the King!"

80 years later, communities around the country came together again to mark this special day in history with thanksgiving and commemoration of those who helped us to achieve victory in Europe.

On Monday 5 May (bank holiday) Hopetown Darlington became the focus of the festivities in Darlington with an all-day street party, including singing, dancing, refreshments, and an abundance of flags and joyous celebration and pride. The community spirit was in full swing!

The Daisy Belles, HC Vocal and Performance Academy, FitLab and Kellen Dance Academy and Compere's Josh and Joe brough street party entertainment to the crowd whilst visitors joined in with the singing and dancing. 

Happy VE day 80 from Hopetown Darlington. Below are a selection of images from throughout the day.

Loading