See what's in store as the 103rd Hartlepool Carnival arrives on the Headland
The Hartlepool Carnival got underway today, and it is the 103rd time the family-friendly event has been held.
The Headland community event lasts for 10 days and kicked off with the arrival of Murphy’s Funfair on the Town Moor.
Visitors can experience a variety of white-knuckle rides, sideshows, stalls and attractions from 2pm today.
New additions this year are a giant wheel and Star Fighter rides, alongside traditional dodgems, waltzers and games stalls.
Murphy’s are also holding two days of free entertainment featuring foam parties, party dances and games, and magic shows on Tuesday, August 4, and Thursday, August 6.
Meanwhile, volunteers on Hartlepool Carnival Committee are once again putting on a variety of free community events, sponsored by local residents and businesses, all leading up to Parade Day on Saturday, August 8.
Organisers have chosen sci-fi as this year’s special theme.
Events include the Prince and Princess Competition for ages 9-15 at The Cosmopolitan Hotel tomorrow (Friday) at noon.
Then in the evening the sky will be lit up with a fireworks display, in association with Murphy’s and Med Ltd, on the Elephant Rock from around 9.45pm.
On Saturday, Headland Club is holding a table top sale at 11am-3pm. And The Fish Sands is the place for a children’s Sand Sculpture Competition on Monday, August 3, and Treasure Dig on the Tuesday, both at 1pm.
Pn Wednesday, August 5, there will be a kids’ talent contest at Headland Club at 1pm, and judging of the best dressed house and business is on Friday from 3pm.
The carnival committee said: “We hope to see you all there having a great time and making lots of memories.”
A number of popular acts are set to return to the carnival parade this year, including a bagpipe band and Morris Miners Owners Group.
The parade will be supported for a fifth year by Hartlepool multicultural group TransformersHPL, who will be entering another colourful float.
Gina Mainoo, of the group, said: “Carnival is something we believe brings the community together. It’s a way to share our music, food and clothes, and since we’ve been involved, the response from the community has been amazing.”
Afterwards, they are inviting people to join them for a celebration with food and music at the Victoria Arms.