Hullabaloo in the Park
Hullabaloo in the Park is returning to Darlington this July! A summer staple for families since 2021, we’re going to fill South Park with even more fantastic things to see, make and do in 2024!
Theatre Hullabaloo are experts in creating fun-filled experiences and we’re passionate about giving every child the chance to enjoy the magic of creativity. So, we have some very exciting news…….
This year’s festival programme is completely FREE to attend! That’s right, totally FREE! Families will be able to enjoy 20 industry-leading artists and 26 brilliant events and activities, without paying a penny!
Join us from the 26-28th July for an outdoor extravaganza of performances, music, storytelling, play spaces, pop-up entertainment, workshops, activities and amazing food in a magical land of creativity and fun! Hullabaloo in the Park is specially designed for children aged 0-10 and their grown-ups, and there is something for every family to love.
Most of the festival will be drop in. Just find the things your family want to do in the ‘What’s On’ section on this page and turn up! Everyone is welcome. There are a handful of pre-bookable workshops, also free, and a range of tasty delights from visiting food vendors at reasonable prices. Daily timetables will be released closer the festival so watch this space!
Prepare to experience joy and wonder all over the festival with so many magical things to see, make and do for free!
We can’t wait to see you there!
Scroll down to discover our festival map, what to expect from the festival, accessibility, food options, getting to the festival and parking information plus FAQs.
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Download the full map with the key here.
Experience
Theatre Hullabaloo’s CEO Ben Dickenson sums up what you can expect from Hullabaloo in the Park 2024: "After last year's hugely popular festival, we can't wait to put more smiles on faces this summer. We are proud of our reputation for creating fantastic events and experiences for children under 10 and their families. Hullabaloo in the Park 2024 is possibly our best yet....and this year the festival is completely free to attend.
We have put together a unique programme of performances, music, storytelling, pop-up entertainment, workshops, circus, forest and craft activities. We have added more stages and picnic areas, have created some special new play experiences, significantly enhanced our food offer, and are running a brilliant Wonderland trail complete with Mad Hatter and jam tarts.
With a focus on accessibility and inclusion, there really is something for every family to see, make and do. Or if you just want to play and relax and eat something tasty, you can! We are expecting around 10,000 visitors at this year’s Hullabaloo in the Park, and they won’t pay a penny to come into the festival. We would love to see you there.”
New for 2024
We pride ourselves on choosing the best artists and entertainment and this year we’re so excited to bring award winning North East collective Hannabiell and Midnight Blue to the festival!
This year we’ll have a fantastic food offering with over 10 food vendors, we have more stages and even more family friendly artists, musicians, performers, and entertainers! As well as some specially made brand-new experiences including our Weave play space and a wonderful Wonderland Trail.
Returning for 2024
Some of our favourite artists and activities are coming back again this year! Lynda Nelson’s Giant’s Picnic, Umar Butt and his fantastical storytelling, Bright Woods CIC and their relaxing nature themed activities, sensory-filled Messy Play, Bridie Jackson’s marvellous musical sessions, Jesse Ward’s brilliant bubbles, Elena Joy-Miller’s super storytelling and our fabulous crafts!
Access Guide
We’re busy working on making the festival as accessible as possible so everyone can have a fantastic time.
There will be accessible wheelchair and pram routes around the park to ensure everyone can access all that is on offer across the 3 days. A small number of the activities are pre-bookable but the majority are drop in and there’s no need to book. We understand that for some children it can be a stressful experience if they have to wait in queues so please contact us via info@theatrehullabaloo.org.uk if you would like to discuss access requirements. We’ll update this section prior to the festival so watch this space!
On the Friday and Saturday there will some British Sign Language interpreted performances and activities. We will identify these in the programme of events and this information will be shared soon.
FAQs
We’re creating a handy list of questions and answers to ensure you have the best possible time at Hullabaloo in the Park! Check back here soon to download the PDF.
Food
We have a fantastic range of food vendors to suit everybody’s taste buds! Come along and enjoy the region’s best ice cream, waffles, burgers, pizza, tex mex, pies and crepes. Plus a selection of vegan and gluten free options. Families are also welcome to bring along their own picnics to enjoy in the multiple picnic bench areas.
Getting to the festival
There is a limited amount of car parking on the residential streets around South Park and we’re currently working on an alternative parking solution. We’ll announce our plans closer to the festival.
Train
It’s easy to get to South Park from Darlington railway station; walk from the station, down Parkgate towards the town centre and follow the signs.
Bus
South Park is accessible by bus – for more information please visit the Traveline North East website.
Sponsors
With special thanks to..