Circus performers, artists, musicians and sports coaches are preparing to welcome thousands of visitors to a soon to reopen city park.
Durham’s historic Wharton Park has undergone a spectacular £3m, year-long renovation.
And on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 May it will throw open its gates so that families can re-discover incredible views of Durham Cathedral, have a go on the much loved – and now restored – miniature car track or take a look around the brand new heritage centre, playgrounds and fitness areas.
Cllr Neil Foster, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for economic regeneration, arts and culture, said: “Wharton Park is one of Durham’s hidden gems and it is fantastic to see it rejuvenated and ready to welcome visitors to the city.
“For locals the park provides important green space and recreational opportunities, while with improved access and exciting new additions like the heritage centre, I hope it will be another great string in what is already a magnificent tourism bow, encouraging more and more people to come to the county.”
The restoration was carried out by the council, which put in £600,000 on top of £2.4m in funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund.
On each day of the celebration re-opening weekend, between 11am and 3pm, there will be live performances, wandering storytellers, free arts and crafts, coached sports sessions, outdoor gym equipment classes and circus workshops.
Visitors will also be able to relax in the café, look around the brand new heritage centre, take in the spectacular view of the Cathedral from the battery or have a go on the restored miniature car track.
Parking at the site on those days will be restricted to blue badge holders only, with visitors urged to use Durham’s Park and Ride on the Saturday and public transport on the Sunday.
If arriving by foot from the city centre festival makers will be on hand to advise on routes into the park as access via Framwellgate Peth is very steep and an alternative route, via North Road, may be more suitable for some people.
For more information about Wharton Park visit the website, www.durham.gov.uk/whartonpark