Local bands celebrated the diversity of Darlington’s heritage at a special event at Hopetown Darlington on 10th October.
Songs of the Railway celebrated the impact of the railways on music, particularly the influence of black heritage on music which was only possible because of the railways.
The event, inspired by the story of Arthur Wharton, the first black professional footballer, was organised by Shaun Campbell (founder of the Arthur Wharton Foundation) in conjunction with Hopetown Darlington.
It showcased songs which celebrate trains and the railways, performed by the amazing local talent such as Myleen Chivasa, Hard Times, Hayley McKay, Just Friends and Windshield Diamonds. The event attracted a multi-generational audience of over 160 people, with many more engaging with the event as part of their usual museum visit.
Highlights of the event included ‘(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman’ by Myleen Chivasa, Hard Times’s performance of ‘Long Train Runnin’ and Hayley McKay’s a capella version of Hopetown. The event was such a success that Hopetown Darlington hope to make the Black History Month music event a permanent fixture in their events programme.
The event was funded by Northern via the Bishop Line CRP and Creative Darlington.
