Event will shine a light on village's rich heritage

Stories of Easington is organised by East Durham Creates with the help of groups, artists and performers.

Brian Jolly, of Easington Colliery Heritage Group, said: “There are so many interesting stories in Easington which make us who we are today, we are very proud of this new and special event which will bring these to life and celebrate who we are as a community.”

It will be inspired by the Billy Elliot film, a war hero and the 1951 Easington Colliery disaster.

The trees lining Memorial Avenue, planted in remembrance, will be lit and stories remembering the 83 miners who died in the pit tragedy and their family told.

Easington Social Welfare Centre will host the Easington Colliery Band and craft activities.

Avon Street, which appeared in Billy Elliot, will be brought to life by the Easington Ukulele Group and The Garage Urban Style dance group.

Seaside Lane will be transformed by street art, inspired by the poem To The Pitmen of Easington by Mary Nightingale Bell.

People will also be invited to the Dennis Donnini Memorial Garden, which will be lit with candles and decorated with art.

“The Easington Stories event will enable the community to remember, commemorate and celebrate our heritage,” said parish council vice chairman and county councillor Angela Surtees.

Full details are of the event, which will run from 2pm to 4pm on Thursday, November 24, are available at www.eastdurhamcreates.co.uk.