The Stockton Flyer, a charming mechanical sculpture, will emerge from the plinth on the High Street for the first time on 12 June.
People lining the High Street will wave green flags to give the Flyer its signal to begin ahead of the Queen’s representative the Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, Sue Snowdon, pulling a golden lever which will bring the whimsical creation whirring into life.
The launch of the industrial looking ‘flying train’ is just one of the fun family activities planned for the street party themed celebration.
Community stalwarts will be the special guests at an afternoon tea alongside the Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees, Councillor Ken Dixon and the Lord Lieutenant of County Durham.
Picnic tables and benches will also be available for people who bring along some food and the Farmer’s Market in Wellington Square will have plenty of tasty treats for sale.
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Arts, Leisure and Culture, Councillor Norma Wilburn, said: “So many volunteers and community groups work tirelessly all year around doing great things to support our residents and help make our Borough a great place to live and this is a wonderful opportunity to thank them for all they do.
“This fun filled party will have activities suitable for the whole family so I would encourage everyone living in and around Stockton Borough to come along to the town centre to take part in the celebrations and see the Stockton Flyer rumble into action for the very first time.”
Meanwhile, there will be entertainment for everyone with a Victorian Fairground, a traditional tea dance, lego workshops, balloon modelling and street theatre among the attractions.
Dog owners are invited to enter their faithful pets in a fun dog show hosted by town centre based Wags and Whiskers pet boutique with categories including Most Regal Pooch, Best Trick, Cutest Puppy and Best Rescue Dog. Registration forms are available from Wags and Whiskers on Dovecot Street and the Rediscover Stockton Shop from tomorrow (19 May).
The street party will be held on the same afternoon that the Patron’s Lunch takes place on The Mall in London and Billingham and Yarm Town Councils are also planning celebrations.
The event will take place between 10.30am and 4pm with the community afternoon tea taking place from 12noon with the Stockton Flyer set to emerge at around 1pm. A video of the Stockton Flyer’s creation can be viewed atwww.stockton.gov.uk/royal