33 pictures as Darlington’s Proms in the Park returns

And from Union Jack socks to babies with flags on their heads, the crowd came dressed for the occasion.

The free event, held at South Park’s Victorian bandstand every year, ran from 3pm to 6pm and drew families, couples and groups of friends who filled the lawns around the ornate green and white stand, many having staked out their spot with folding chairs and cool boxes.

This year’s performers included the Band of the Army Medical Services, who took to the bandstand in their distinctive red tunics alongside a pipe band that marched through the crowd to considerable applause.

Proms in the Park, Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Proms in the Park, Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Proms in the Park, Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Proms in the Park, Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Proms in the Park, Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Proms in the Park, Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Proms in the Park, Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Proms in the Park, Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Proms in the Park, Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Proms in the Park, Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Proms in the Park, Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Proms in the Park, Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Proms in the Park, Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Proms in the Park, Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Proms in the Park, Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Proms in the Park, Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Proms in the Park, Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Proms in the Park, Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Proms in the Park, Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Proms in the Park, Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Proms in the Park, Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Proms in the Park, Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Proms in the Park, Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Proms in the Park, Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Proms in the Park, Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Proms in the Park, Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Proms in the Park, Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Proms in the Park, Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Proms in the Park, Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Proms in the Park, Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Proms in the Park, Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Proms in the Park, Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The Army Benevolent Fund, the Army’s national charity, was the beneficiary of this year’s event.

The weather tested the crowd’s commitment – umbrellas went up during the afternoon – but the spirit never wavered.

The event is free to attend and requires no tickets, though organisers encouraged early arrival to secure a good spot.