Photographer/Byline Dave Charnley Photography www.davecharnleyphotography.com
THE COUNTDOWN to the 29th Stockton International Riverside Festival is well under way and there is still time for school, youth and community groups of all ages to sign up for the ever-popular Community Carnival.
The Community Carnival, one of the festival’s showpieces, will parade along Stockton’s High Street and Riverside in a blaze of colour and sound.
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council offers many ways for groups to take part, develop their creative potential and join in the Tees Valley’s largest community celebration.
Families are being invited to attend a free workshop to create amazing headdresses or costume accessories to wear in this year’s carnival. Two workshops are on offer on Saturday 23 July, between 10am and 12pm as well as 1pm to 3pm, at Spark (located on the site of Our Lady & St Bede Catholic Academy).
The theme of this year’s parade is Mythical Lands and Fantastical Creatures, inspired by the tales of weird and wonderful places that have enchanted people throughout history.
Councillor Norma Wilburn, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Arts, Leisure and Culture, said: “The Community Carnival is such an integral part of the Stockton International Riverside Festival programme and I know that is a highlight for so many people that love to see Stockton alive with vibrant music and costumes.
“I’d encourage any families to take this opportunity to be a part of a creative project together; I have no doubt about how much of a rewarding experience it’ll be.
“This year’s theme promises to bring out the best of people’s imagination and I am very excited to see what they come up with in turning Stockton itself into a mythical land full of fantastical creatures for a day!”
The workshops are specifically aimed at families (parents/guardians and children) as a special opportunity to engage in creative activity together. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Places must be booked in advance for the workshops and to take part in the parade itself. To book, please contact Lyndsey Stephenson on 01642 527696 orlyndsey.stephenson@stockton.gov.uk
The 2016 SIRF Community Carnival will be held from 12pm on Saturday 6 August.
For more information about SIRF and to view the programme, visit www.sirf.co.uk