Newton Aycliffe Celebrates its 75^th Anniversary in 2023

The 75^th Anniversary of Newton Aycliffe is due to take place this year and the Town Council is making plans to celebrate and commemorate the historic occasion.

Newton Aycliffe was designated as a new town in April 1947, but the actual birth of the town has been widely regarded as being 1948.

The key dates in relation to the birth of the town are 28^th June 1948 which marked the “cutting of the first sod” ahead of the construction of the first houses, and 9^th November 1948 which was when the keys were handed over to the first resident of the town.

Much more information on the history of the town can be viewed elsewhere on this website including more about the history of Aycliffe and the Story of Newton Aycliffe

Aycliffe 75 – Through the Decades

Let us know how you will be celebrating!

Get in touch and tell us your plans for Aycliffe’s 75th birthday if you wish to get involved, as we would be happy to help publicise any events or  projects that you might be running.

The Town Council is also keen to hear from any local businesses that might want to help fund or sponsor the celebrations.

Please keep an eye on this webpage and our social media channels for further updates as the year progresses.

Working with Durham County Council

The Council is also working with Durham County Council in developing a project to create a historical exhibition of photographs and memorabilia. This project will involve working in partnership with Durham County Council Archives, Newton Press, Northern Echo, and local residents.

It is anticipated that the exhibition will be put on display at various locations including the Council Offices, Town Centre, community centres, churches etc later in the year.

The Council would be delighted to hear from any local groups or residents who have any interesting historical photographs, documents, and memorabilia, or stories or records of the history of the town.

Further ideas being worked on with a 75^th Anniversary theme include a possible sports competition as 1948 was also the year that London hosted the Olympics, a Charity Golf Competition, the Ayclive Music Festival, a community walk or 75-mile challenge, and a book of remembrance to be opened for local people to record their memories of the 75 years of the Town.

The Town Council is encouraging local businesses, schools, churches, and community organisations to get involved in celebrating and commemorating the 75^th Anniversary of the town under the banner of “Aycliffe 75”.

Do you have any old photographs or memorabilia depicting events on the town – such as royal visits, Silver Jubilee street party celebrations, the carnival, community events, construction or opening of buildings or shops?   

We are looking for anything of nostalgic or historic interest.

If you have anything at all that you would like to donate, or memories to share, get in touch with Amanda Donald, Corporate & Policy Officer at the Town Council.

Tel: 01325 300700 or email your memories to us