2014 was the FINAL Great Aycliffe Show, however it will be replaced by Great Aycliffe Festival.
The details of the Festival are not yet finalised, however the date has been set as Friday 3rd to Sunday 12th July 2015, 10 days encompassing two weekends.
The concept of the Festival is to involve as many of the local groups, businesses and voluntary organisations as possible, encouraging them to organise an ‘event’ within the time-frame of the Festival. Support will be available from the Town Council if required.
It is anticipated that the ‘events’ organised by the local community will provide a wide variety of experiences for children and adults and will hopefully deliver a range of activities throughout the Parish.
Local groups, businesses, organisations and individuals who are interested in becoming part of the Festival attended an open meeting to discuss plans for the new venture. It is hoped that the outcome of the meetings will be that groups will give further consideration or agree in principle to providing a community event during the timescale of the Festival.
If you are interested in receiving further information when it is available, please contact Marie on 01325 300700 or email marie.robinson@great-aycliffe.gov.uk and she will add you to the Festival mailing list
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GREAT AYCLIFFE SHOW
(no longer in existance, however there are steps to restart)
There’s something for every member of the family at the Great Aycliffe Show, held in the grounds of the Oak Leaf Sports Complex on Saturday and Sunday of the August bank holiday. Admission is free, with ample car parking available at £1 per car.
A wide variety of live entertainment takes place in the arena, with professional artistes such as comedy clown acts, sheepdog demonstrations and death defying stunts on motorcylcles. In the Playhouse Marquee, local dancing schools display their amazing talent, there are live bands, solo singers and usually a tribute band to keep you entertained.
Away from the arena, there are marquees hosting the popular handcrafts and horticulture exhibitions and competitions. If you are keen to enter a future competition but are not sure where your talents lie, then why not visit the Craft Marquee and get some inspiration and free tuition. The displays and demonstrations will include hand made soap, natural therapy tasters, greetings cards, photography and jewellery.
As well as a fairground, there is a range of ‘have a go’ activities; rock climbing wall, water walkerz, roller coaster simulators and large inflatable play areas. Some of these activities are provided by the Council free or at a reduced charge.
The Environment Marquee features displays, demonstrations and information on all things green.
There is a pigeon show on Saturday in another marquee which is also used for the popular Rabbit competition on Sunday.
Durham County and Darlington Fire and Rescue run an exciting Inter Service Extrication Competition – for spectators only. Teams from different fire stations will compete against each other in a specially staged ‘incident’. The scene of a road traffic collision, complete with a trapped live casualty, is created, requiring a full ‘rescue’. The competition takes place throughout Saturday and Sunday.
Perhaps sport is your favourite pastime – the Annual Show Golf Tournament, sponsored by Hays Travel, takes place on Sunday, with the presentation of Section Winners’ trophies in the Function Room at the Oak Leaf Sports Complex on Sunday evening. Follow the cheers and whistles to find the five-a-side football knockout competition, sponsored by Co-operative Funeralcare.
Younger children are sure to enjoy the magic of Punch and Judy and free face painting for children next to the Punch and Judy show. Retail therapy and community information will be available from a wide range of trade and organisation stands, located around the showfield.
Further information can be obtained from www.great-aycliffe.gov.uk and follow the link from ‘events’ on the right hand side. Alternatively you can telephone us 01325 300700 or e-mail show@great-aycliffe.gov.uk – we’re here to help.
