Hartlepool's biggest summer celebration is officially underway after Ceremonial Mayor Councillor Sue Little declared the 103rd Hartlepool Carnival open.
Councillor Little launched ten days of fun from a waltzer at Murphy's Funfair, one of the headline carnival attractions which is lighting up the Town Moor at the Headland.
The carnival, an annual event and one of Hartlepool's most cherished traditions, is a community-run project led by the volunteers of the Hartlepool Carnival Committee.
It is expected to attract thousands of visitors from across the borough and beyond, bringing together residents and visitors for a packed programme of entertainment, competitions and community events.
Speaking at the opening, Councillor Little encouraged everyone to get involved in what promises to be another memorable occasion.
“It’s a great honour to be invited to open the 103rd Hartlepool Carnival. This event has been bringing the community together for generations and remains one of the highlights of our calendar. I would encourage everyone to come along, enjoy the attractions and support the many activities that make the carnival so special.”
(Back, l-r): Fair co-organiser John Murphy, Headland Parish Council Chair Councillor Scott Gaiety, fair co-organiser Billy Freeman. (Front, l-r): Ceremonial Mayor of Hartlepool Councillor Sue Little with her granddaughter and Mayor's Consort Paul Little
Carnival events have been taking place throughout the year and will culminate in a final day Grand Parade on Saturday 8 August.
The funfair will operate daily from 2pm until 10pm, offering thrills and excitement for all ages, while a wide range of community-focused activities will showcase the vibrant spirit and creativity of the Headland.
Highlights of this year's programme include:
- Carnival Prince and Princess Competition at The Cosmopolitan Hotel tomorrow (31 July) from 12 noon.
- A spectacular fireworks display starting around 9.30pm tomorrow (31 July) from close to the funfair.
- Headland Talent Show at the Headland Club on Wednesday 5 August from 1pm.
- Children's Sand Sculpture Competition at Fish Sands on 3 August from 1pm
- Treasure Dig at Fish Sands on 4 August from 1pm
The much-anticipated Grand Parade on Saturday 8 August starts at 4pm from the Town Square and will involve a range of colourful floats, performers and community groups taking to the streets in a celebration of Hartlepool's community spirit.
The final day will also feature the traditional nutty slack race when participants race around a 1.1km course carrying a 25kg bag of coal (10kg for women) on their backs. This year, the race will take place from The Victoria Arms to the Borough Hall.
For more information about the carnival and its range of event follow Hartlepool Carnival on Facebook.