What’s on at the 103rd Hartlepool Carnival this week?

Mayor of Hartlepool Councillor Sue Little opened the celebrations with her granddaughter. <i>(Image: Hartlepool Borough Council)</i>
Mayor of Hartlepool Councillor Sue Little opened the celebrations with her granddaughter. (Image: Hartlepool Borough Council)
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If you are still looking for something to do during the school holidays, the 103rd Hartlepool Carnival is well underway.

The carnival is organised by the Hartlepool Carnival Committee and is expected to draw thousands of visitors from across the borough and beyond before it concludes later this week.

The funfair is running daily from 2pm to 10pm, offering rides and entertainment for all ages, ideals for the kids' school holidays.

Opening the carnival from a waltzer at Murphy’s Funfair last week, Ceremonial Mayor Councillor Sue Little said: "It’s a great honour to be invited to open the 103rd Hartlepool Carnival.

"This event has been bringing the community together for generations and remains one of the highlights of our calendar.

"I would encourage everyone to come along, enjoy the attractions and support the many activities that make the carnival so special."

Events have been taking place throughout the year and will conclude with the Grand Parade on August 8.

So far, the Carnival Prince and Princess Competition has taken place at The Cosmopolitan Hotel, along with a fireworks display near the funfair.

Still to come are plenty of family events, including a Treasure Dig which will take place at Fish Sands on Tuesday, August 4, from 1pm.

The Headland Talent Show will later be held at the Headland Club on Wednesday, August 5, from 1pm.

The highlight of the carnival will be the Grand Parade on Saturday, August 8, starting at 4pm from the Town Square.

The parade will feature colourful floats, performers, and community groups celebrating Hartlepool’s spirit.

One of the most anticipated events on the final day is the traditional nutty slack race.

On Saturday, participants will carry a 25kg bag of coal (10kg for women) around a 1.1km course.

This year’s race will run from The Victoria Arms to the Borough Hall.

The Hartlepool Carnival has been a staple of the community for over a century, offering a mix of nostalgia, excitement, and family-friendly fun.

Organisers hope this year’s event will continue to build on its proud legacy and bring the town together once again.

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