Big screen coming to Darlington for Coronation and Eurovision
A plan to screen the Coronation of King Charles III and the Eurovision Song Contest in Darlington is set to receive a five-figure cash boost.
Work is under way to televise the Coronation over the Bank Holiday weekend (6-8 May) in the Market Square, Darlington.
Now the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is offering up to £45,000 to the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority to help screen His Majesty The King’s Coronation, the Coronation Concert and the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 in the heart of the town.
The grant offer comes after Darlington’s bid to host Eurovision fell short over the summer. The 2023 extravaganza is taking place in Liverpool between 9 May and 13 May.
Darlington Borough Council had already been working on a plan to televise the Coronation in the town.
Discussions are well under way on a wider programme of activities and events for screening both the Coronation and Eurovision.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “The Coronation of His Majesty The King will be a landmark moment in British history, and work is taking shape on how we can all remember this historic occasion.
“While Darlington’s underdog bid to host Eurovision didn’t work out, I’m delighted the Government has seen fit to recognise our efforts with this funding so we can show the rest of the country what they missed out on.
“This spring and summer promises to be a memorable one for Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool and I hope we can all play a part in creating memories we can all cherish for years to come.”
Cllr Jonathan Dulston, Leader of Darlington Borough Council, added: “Darlington leads the way when it comes to putting on and hosting fantastic events, and the upcoming Coronation and Eurovision screening will be no exception.
“This would provide a very welcome boost to our ambitions – we’re in talks to create a fantastic programme of activities to ensure everyone can enjoy what will be a superb week in May.
“I can’t wait.”