Carnival de Darlington!

2:37pm Monday 30th June 2008

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The sun was shining down on Stanhope Park on the Saturday 28th June as Darlington Community Carnival, now in it's 26th year hit the town The fun began with the carnival parade which travelled from the Arts Centre, around the park and through the town centre. The theme of this year's carnival was "Festivals of the World" and there were a variety of different groups including a bagpipe group, with various schools, street performers and charities parading through the town, spreading their message and having a good time.

In the park there were stalls from more than 40 locals charities, raising awareness, providing information about their cause and offering games, competitions and selling bric-a-brac. There were also local businesses selling their products and offering demonstrations and there was lots of entertainment available for the children of the town, who were part of a varied demographic who were present on the day.

The NewBlood stage had local bands performing between 12 and 5pm, keeping the crowds pleased, even when the clouds darkened above. Luckily, the weather stayed dry and thousands of happy carnival-goers filled the park throughout the day. NewBlood Live is at the Forum every other Thursday between 6.30 and 9.30pm and gives young people, aged 14 - 17 the chance to see three bands for £3.

A demonstration of Chinese Tai Chi, a skateboarding workshop in the tennis courts, a steel band, a puppet show and a show from 50 dancers from the young dance troupe, Urban Kaos collective were some of the highlights of the annual carnival.

The carnival's chosen charity was Family Help and £2,000 was raised to help victims of domestic abuse.

Liam P Spencer