The Aycliffe Festival started with a bang with the Town Council’s Youth Council STEM event which was host to the local scientific, technological, engineering and mechanical community. Exhibits were designed to engage young people with interactive displays including a Batak Wall, 3D printer, formula one cars and many other exciting and ‘not at all boring’ things which you might associate with STEM!
The star of the show John Kilcoyne amazed the audience with his explosive science show which had everyone jumping with fright as loud bangs reverberated around the Oakleaf Sports Complex.
Acorn, Horndale, WASPS, Lakes and Dales Residents Association organised an event for Friday night with hundreds of people listening, singing along and dancing to music of the 60s and 70s with Micky Rich and Ocean at the Newton Aycliffe Working Men’s Club.
The events continued on Saturday with the very well attended Community Fair, organised by Newton Aycliffe Rotary Club and the Town Centre entertainment when many people tried their hand at staying on the rodeo bull and competing in a hot dog eating contest.
On Sunday there was a Brass Band Concert at Simpasture Court, the Stableford Golf Tournament at the Oakleaf Golf Complex and the Intergeneration Showcase at Newton Aycliffe Youth Centre.
MIND hosted a Tea Party at Silverdale House with cakes galore. Over 33 young people took part in the Djembe Drumming Workshop at Greenfield Arts Centre.
The fun continues all week with displays of Angels at St Clare’s Church, Mayor at Home and a 5k Trail Race on Thursday, a live acoustic music night at Newton Aycliffe Working Men’s Club.
The Festival gets into full swing at the weekend with many events right through to Saturday evening and the picnic in the park and thanksgiving service on Sunday.
For a full list of events, see the Council’s website www.great-aycliffe.gov.uk or the pull out leaflet in last week’s Newton News Extra.
The organisers of the events deserve a great big thank you for all their hard work to make the very first Festival one to remember.
