WITH just days to go until the exciting launch of Stockton Town Centre’s newest visitor attraction school children have been inspired to turn their hands to automata creation.
On Sunday (12 June) The Stockton Flyer, a large industrial looking contraption, will gradually emerge whistling and steaming from the plinth on Stockton High Street as part of a community celebration to mark the Queen’s 90th birthday.
This week pupils from six primary schools across the Borough have been making their own mini plinths and sculptures which will be displayed at the Rediscover Stockton shop during the street party.
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Arts, Leisure and Culture, Councillor Norma Wilburn, said: “The Stockton Flyer is unique to Stockton and is a fun way of commemorating our town’s rich industrial heritage. It has already captured the imagination of these children and I’m sure many visitors and future generations will be captivated by its sight as it rumbles into life each day.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing the models the children have made for Sunday’s special event and hope everyone who comes along takes the opportunity to pop into the Rediscover Stockton shop to see them too.”
The event, which is being held on the same afternoon as the Patron’s Lunch on The Mall in London, will take place between 10.30am and 3pm with the whimsical mechanical structure set to whir into life at around 1pm.
Picnic tables will be available for anyone who would like to bring along food and The Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees, Councillor Ken Dixon, will join unsung heroes from across the Borough including volunteers, carers and school children for an afternoon tea.
There will also be free family fun activities including a dog show, a Victorian fairground, a traditional tea dance, Lego workshops, balloon making and street theatre.
For full details of the Right Royal Celebration or to see a video of the Stockton Flyer’s creation visit www.stockton.gov.uk/royal
Billingham Town Council has also planned an event on 11 June while Yarm Town Council’s celebrations are being held on 12 June.