ABOUT 800 people are expected to parade through the streets of Darlington as part of the town's annual Community Carnival later this month.

The carnival procession takes place on Saturday, June 29, and sets off from the Market Square at 11am before working its way through the town to Stanhope Park with street entertainers performing along the route.

The theme of this year’s event is ‘Celebrating Darlington through the Ages’ and schools and groups participating in the parade have worked with Yvonne Preston of Scrap Studioarts to create colourful representations of the town’s heritage and celebrated residents.

Performances will take place in the Market Square from 9:45 am including Runaway Samba, Joanne Lowe Dancers, Back Chat Brass and Voices of Darlington, and at Pease Monument from 9:45 including Voices of Darlington Kidz Choir, Texas Toe Tappers, Inspire Beyond Dance and Stage Darlington. Carnival activities in Stanhope Park begin at 10:00 am.

Ninety local groups and charities will be running stalls alongside fair rides, bouncy castles and food and drink outlets.

There is also a full line-up of live music and dance displays across two performance areas from 11:45 until 5:00 pm. Performances on the Main Stage will include a range of bands and artists including Endem and The Vellacos playing alongside Coated Ambassador and Jodie Nicholson (joint winners of this year’s Maddison Lyonette music award).

The “Platform in the Park” area will include performances from local groups including Hippodrome Youth Dance, Joanne Lowe Dance, and Voices of Darlington Kidz Choir.

This year’s carnival charity is Angel Gowns, which supports bereaved parents.

Carnival chair David French said: The Carnival continues to grow with the support of a committed group of volunteers. I’d also like to thank Darlington Round Table for their continued sponsorship.

To volunteer visit admin@darlingtoncommunitycarnival.com