Mayor officially opens Hartlepool Carnival

She was joined at Murphy’s Funfair on the Town Moor on the Headland by her husband and Consort Councillor Dennis Loynes.

She gave special thanks to the Murphy family and the showmen for their long-standing support and commitment to the carnival.

“It gives me great pleasure to be here and I am delighted to declare Hartlepool Carnival officially open. I hope everyone enjoys themselves and stays safe,” she said.

Hartlepool Mayor Councillor Brenda Loynes with Consort Councillor Dennis Loynes and David Wallis, past President of the Showmanship Guild of Great Britain and a ride tenant; Billy Freeman and John Murphy, both of Murphy's Funfairs

In addition to the funfair, there will be a range of community events and activities throughout the carnival which runs from 1-10pm daily until Saturday August 7, culminating in the traditional Grand Parade at 4pm on the final day

More information can be found on the Hartlepool Carnival Facebook page.

John Murphy whose family runs the fair, said he had feared that the carnival might have to be cancelled due to Covid-19, so it was great to see it taking place.

“A lot of showmen are here from far and wide and we are just grateful to be here,” he said.

He said a number of Covid precautions were in place around the spacing of attractions, provision of sanitising stations and the cleansing of rides.