Countdown is underway to Hartlepool Carnival

A small team of volunteers is already working hard behind the scenes to make this year’s event one to remember.

A number of changes will be introduced this year to keep the carnival fresh and bring it up to date.

One of the main new additions will be a Carnival’s Got Talent competition when people of all ages can compete in a Britain’s Got Talent style contest.

It will be held on a date still to be confirmed, but is due to feature a children’s competition during the day with adult performers taking to the stage on the night.

A carnival spokesman said: “We are trying to make it bigger. Our aim is to get more people from the town on board.”

Carnival Day this year falls on Saturday, August 6, and organisers are trying to attract lots of street vendors to offer something new for visitors.

They also hope to attract more floats in the parade by paying £50 public liability insurance for the first 10 entrants. And the popular raft race returns on Sunday, August 28.

The carnival committee is looking for more volunteers who can help out, even just on carnival day.

See the group’s Facebook page or email: [email protected]