Celebrating 75 years of Newton Aycliffe

Live music, family entertainment and a host of classic cars and vintage buses will greet visitors to Newton Aycliffe this weekend.

The exciting line-up promises something for all ages this Saturday (September 7), as an event is held to celebrate 75 years of the town.

The first Newton Aycliffe cubs on parade at Neville Parade shops, circa 1953.

Funded by Durham County Council’s Towns and Villages programme and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the entertainment aims to attract a wide range of visitors to Newton Aycliffe.

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, the council’s cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “It is fantastic to see that so many people have come together over the last year to celebrate 75 years of the town.

Stephen Howell and Neville Jones on Central Avenue circa 1972.

“Although the celebrations are coming to an end, it feels more like a new beginning for the town as people reflect on the past and look ahead to their future as a community. Hopefully, the weekend’s events will cement that as we offer an opportunity for families, friends and neighbours to come together and experience a vibrant and bustling town centre.”

The family fun day coincides with a new exhibition going on display in the town centre, featuring a collection of personal photographs.

Life in a New Town, which has been organised by Great Aycliffe Town Council, is set to present life through the lens of Newton Aycliffe residents and will be on display until January.

The town’s firefighters mid-1960s, including (L-R) Bob Howell, Jack Rutherford, John Jones, Bob Patterson and Herbert Denham.

Amanda Donald, corporate and policy officer at Great Aycliffe Town Council, said: “Many people speak fondly of their childhood, playing among the building materials of the new town and remembering the excitement of the arrival of the first shops.

“Subsequent generations are also united in their happy memories of Harding’s, the carnival and Mr Whippy’s ice cream.

“It’s great to see those memories come to life in the exhibition for everyone to enjoy.”

Lakewood High School’s marching band from Cleveland, Ohio, on a visit to Newton Aycliffe in 1979.

Members of Durham Constabulary in the 1950s at the former headquarters on Aycliffe Industrial Estate.