ORGANISERS of a community carnival that celebrates its 30th anniversary this year have urged members of the public to support the event as it faces an uncertain future.

Hundreds of people are expected to attend the day of family entertainment, music and arts, in Darlington’s Stanhope Park, on Saturday.

For the past 30 years, the event’s organisers have worked with local groups and individuals to promote the carnival, with the aim of celebrating the talents and dedication of Darlington people.

Jackie Maddison, chairwoman of the carnival committee, said: “Once again, the whole community has pulled together to work on what promises to be a fun-filled family event.

“I call on local people to come along and support the event and would love to hear from anyone who would like to get involved in next year’s community carnival.

“The committee would like to thank all the groups and individuals who have helped make carnival possible throughout the last 30 years.

“In particular, Darlington Media Group, the late Tom Hughes and Darlington Folk Club and Darlington R’n’B Club.”

Events start with a procession, at noon, starting at Darlington Arts Centre, in Vane Terrace.

The procession will make its way down Duke Street, along Skinnergate and High Row, before returning back to the park.

This year, the procession theme will be the story of the race between the tortoise and the hare.

The work of a wide range of groups will feature in the procession through, which will be set to music and dance from local schools and community groups.

Mrs Maddison said the committee is adamant that there will be a community carnival next year, despite the impending closure of the Arts Centre.

She said: “It will be different, because we won’t have the arts centre to work from, but we have already had meetings to talk about how we are going to go forward, and they have been very positive.”

Other attractions include live music in Stanhope Park, dance performances on the Arts Centre plaza by groups including Hummersknott Academy’s samba band.

There will also be a fair in the park, featuring magic shows, a bouncy castle, fairground rides, charity stalls and a climbing wall.

The evening concludes with a performance by Darlington band Random Numbers, in the Arts Centre, from 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £5. To book, call 01325-486555.

Anyone interested in helping to organise future events can call Mrs Maddison, on 01325-253686.