Stockton’s Community Carnival, one of the largest community celebrations in the North East is calling on people to take part.
The event, which will take place on Saturday, 3 August, is part of Stockton International Riverside Festival.
Each year the carnival, in Stockton Town Centre, has a specific theme and this year’s is Stories of the World. The colourful parade of hundreds of people will help celebrate traditions and stories from across the globe, bringing other cultures to life on the streets of Stockton . The carnival will end with an afternoon of performances including live music by local groups.
Stockton Borough Council organises the event and is encouraging youth, school, community, sports, performance groups and families to take part.
Councillor Ken Dixon, Stockton Council’s Cabinet Member for Arts, Leisure and Culture said: “This is your chance to shine and share a special moment with your local community. We hope you will join us this year. Taking part in the carnival is a fantastic way to try something creative and play an important role in one of the North East’s finest festivals. It also provides an opportunity to come together and celebrate in style with your local community. “
The Council offers participating groups free workshops in costume-making to create weird and wonderful costumes which makes the annual parade so spectacular. It also runs samba drumming and carnival dance workshops with its local team of musicians and choreographers.
In addition there will be a series of workshops to make costumes, specifically for local families, leading up to the Carnival which will take place on Saturdays, 2pm – 4pm on the following dates: 28 June, 4 July, 11 July and 18 July.
The sessions will be held at Spark, Bishopton Road West , Stockton-on-Tees , TS19 0QH (Spark is on the site of Our Lady & St Bede’s School, above Tees Valley Music Service). Please note that the workshops are aimed at families – parents/guardians and their children. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Anyone who would like to take part in the carnival or the family workshops can telephone (01642) 527696 or email lyndsey.stephenson@stockton.gov.uk. If you would like further information visit www.sirf.co.uk
