Exciting summer programme announced at Preston Park Museum & Grounds for its 70-year celebrations

Preston Park Museum & Grounds has announced a party-themed programme of activities and events this summer in its 70^th year of opening as a public museum.

The popular venue is continuing its anniversary celebrations with activities taking place every day throughout the summer holidays for families to enjoy.

Activities include arts and crafts, storytelling, games and trails, nature-inspired activities and party entertainment.

A highlight of the summer is its Mexican celebration day on Wednesday, August 9, with performances by dancers and musicians from Billingham International Folklore Festival.

This summer also sees the return of the annual Teddy Bears' picnic on Sunday, August 20. Now in its 11th year, this special event is a popular day out for the whole family.

Visitors can bring their favourite teddy and a picnic and enjoy tasty teddy treat making, teddy-themed crafts and trails, storytelling, face painting and lots more.

Local youth theatre group Page2stage will be leading a bear hunt and taking on the role of teddy doctors in a teddy bear hospital. The museum's Sewing Bee volunteer group have also been busy handmaking teddy clothes to sell on the day.

Councillor Steve Nelson, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Leisure and Culture, said: "We're delighted to be adding a fantastic programme of events to the offer at Preston Park Museum and Grounds again this summer and provide opportunities for families to enjoy spending quality time together.

"We're looking forward to celebrating the museum's 70th year with party-themed activities and the return of the Teddy Bears' Picnic. We're also thrilled to be collaborating with Billingham International Folklore Festive for our first ever Mexican celebration day.

"The museum's annual summer programme provides great value for money with activities included in the admission cost and there's always plenty to see and do. Visitors can also explore the wider park with its adventure play, woodland and riverside walks and make the most of everything the park has to offer.

"We're expecting the activities and events to be very popular and are looking forward to welcoming visitors during the museum's milestone birthday year."

To join in the family fun at the museum this summer, the usual admission fee applies, or visitors with a valid ticket can use it for unlimited return trips for 12 months.

The museum, Victorian Street and gardens will be open every day from Saturday, July 22 until Sunday, September 3 from 10am to 4pm.

To find out more, visit the Preston Park Museum and Grounds website.

For Council news direct to your inbox, sign up to our My Council Newsletter.