Beamish Museum Dash festival to return for schoolchildren

The popular event is expected to draw around 1,000 students from across County Durham for an evening of athletics at the open-air museum on June 17.

The Dash Athletics event is a staple of the school calendar and has been encouraging children to get active since 2012 through friendly competition held in a unique and historic setting.

Andrew Scothern, manager of the Durham & Chester-Le-Street School Sport Partnership (DCSSP), said: “The Dash is a fantastic celebration of sport and physical activity for the whole community – a shared experience that highlights the many benefits of an active lifestyle.

“Since 2012, it has been one of the most highly anticipated and enjoyed events of the school year.

“Children look forward to it every year, and some even train beforehand.

“It gives me great joy to see previous participants wearing their Dash! t-shirts with pride at other sports events, months and even years later.

“The Dash is unique – it gets more young people active, builds confidence and encourages resilience.”

(Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Organised by the DCSSP, the event offers children the chance to compete in running and field events.

Rhiannon Hiles, chief executive officer of Beamish Museum, said: “Beamish Museum’s unique setting will provide an amazing venue for the Dash on June 17.

“We’re proud to work with Durham & Chester-Le-Street SSP to give all the children of North Durham a brilliant opportunity to stay fit and active.

“It’s a fantastic way to continue the legacy of the 2012 Olympics and keep the Dash! as a key date in the school sports calendar.”

The event is supported by Ramside Hall Hotel, Swinburne Maddison, MGL Group, Believe Housing, Radisson Hotel.

It also receives support from 12 Durham county councillors.