ALL the fun of the fair is heading to the county town of North Yorkshire this weekend.

Northallerton Carnival returns on Sunday (July 5) with a packed programme of events for all the family.

The popular annual festival is bigger than ever this year at its new venue on the Applegarth, where there will be marching bands, talent contests, dance groups and Middlesbrough Football Club’s Speed Cage challenge.

The Ambassadors Showband and the Derby Midshipmen Band will bring their entertainment to the High Street before live music gets underway at the Applegarth in the shape of the Hambleton’s Got Talent Final.

There is also a rock choir, a dance display from the AJ Academy and a zumba demonstration, as well as a children’s sports day on the main field.

Also included are fairground rides, a demonstration fire engine, the Purple Playbus and refreshment and food vans. The programme start at 12.30pm.

Carnival chairman John Forrest, who is also the town mayor, said: “The carnival is a fantastic showcase for Northallerton and our programme is busier than ever this year.

“Visitors come from miles around to enjoy our day of fun and entertainment and we’ve got attractions for all ages.”