Darlington’s annual Eco Fair marks start of green week

The Market Square event drew in hundreds of visitors interested in climate, nature, and environmentally friendly products.

And there were plenty of fun activities to keep children interested, including arts, crafts and go-carts.

Suzanne Thomas, of community interest company, Mud and More, was one of the stall-holders delighted with the interest.

Darlington Eco Fair takes place in the town’s market square. Picture: CHRIS BOOTH (Image: Chris BOOTH)

She said: “We use things like pottery and woodworking to bring people together, especially vulnerable people in the Teesdale area and an event like this is great to raise our profile and let people know what we do.

“I thoroughly enjoyed it.”

Hils Harrison of Durham Wildlife Trust said the event was an important fundraiser, as well as an awareness-raising event.

“It’s great to have an event that is specifically devoted to those interested in the environment and we’re grateful for the chance to get the message across about what the Trust does, but also to allow people to buy our merchandise because all the money that we raise in purchases and donations goes directly to the charity and helps support its work.”

Outside the marquee, Friends of the Earth created a pop-up allotment about the size of a terraced house backyard to show the variety and range of vegetables and plants that could be cultivated to provide food for the family.

Darlington Eco Fair takes place in the town’s market square. (Image: Chris BOOTH)

The Fair coincided with the launch of Great Big Green Week, which this year runs from Saturday, June 6th, to Sunday, June 14th and is expected to involve up to two million people in events across the country.

Abbie Rodger, who was exhibiting for the North East and Yorkshire Net Zero hub, said: “It’s really good that the Eco Fair ties in with Great Big Green Week because it’s important to show how much the public cares about the environment and climate change and wants action on looking after nature and tackling environmental issues.”

Alex Nicholson, Darlington Borough Council’s town centre partnership and events manager, who co-ordinated the Eco Fair, said: “It was a great event for highlighting how much is going on in terms of the community working towards sustainability and environmental protection and awareness.

“It was particularly pleasing to see so many people of all ages coming along to enjoy the Eco Fair and there really was something for everyone.

Darlington Eco Fair takes place in the town’s market square. (Image: Chris BOOTH)

“Doing our bit to help the planet is on a lot of people’s minds, and seeing ways that we can live a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle seems to be something that people enjoy and welcome.

“The fashion show organised by Oxfam Darlington and the QE sixth form pupils went down well but people just seemed to enjoy browsing around the stalls and having conversations.

As well as household-name groups like the RSPB, the World Wildlife Fund and Oxfam, there were plenty of local exhibitors like Darlington Beekeepers’ Association, Jamporium and Respect Soaps.