It’s full steam ahead as the final preparations are put in place for this year’s Whitley Bay Carnival, which promises to be bigger and better than ever.
The spectacular ‘Circus’ themed event takes place on Saturday 28th May. The carnival, once a focal point of the town’s calendar, was brought back to life in 2014 by Whitley Bay Big Local and after two hugely successful parades the event is now a firm fixture in the annual calendar.
More than 800 people including local school children, Guide and Scout groups, dance troupes and musicians will be taking part in the parade on the day which will set off from Whitley Bay Metro Station at 11am and make its way through the centre of town to the Spanish City Plaza.
The carnival is again being organised this year by local resident and creative producer Carol Alevroyianni who, having secured financial backing from Arts Council England, assembled a team of experienced artists, musicians and dancers headed up by international carnival artist Richard Broderick who have worked with ten local schools and various community groups to create costumes and spectacular carnival structures as part of the preparations for the event.
Carol said: “Thanks to backing from Arts Council England, Whitley Bay Big Local and vital support from local businesses we can realise ambitious plans. Hundreds of local people have been part of the preparations making the parade our biggest yet with a special send off planned for the station at 10.30am. The Spanish City Plaza will be alive from 10am till 6pm with magical street theatre, live music, circus hi-jinks and delicious street food culminating in the first Carnival Ball where we hope to create some jaw dropping moments.”
Jess Burns, Chair of Whitley Bay Big Local added: “The beauty of the carnival is that it is an opportunity for so many Whitley Bay community members to come together, from the school children and their families taking part in the procession, to community groups and local businesses. The day itself is a fantastic event for everyone to enjoy.”
Full details of the parade route and entertainment schedule are on the Whitley Bay Community Carnival Facebook group or use #whitleybaycarnival on Twitter.
Carnival sponsors include Di Meo’s, Delaval Ices, Pantrini’s, T&J Leisure, The Whitley Whaler, East Coast Taxis, Tyne Idols, The Venetian, Rutherford Wilkinson Ltd and the News Guardian.
