Staindrop Carnival team appeals for help to make event bigger

A SUMMER carnival which has seen its popularity steadily rise is seeking volunteers from all backgrounds to usher in some new attractions.

Staindrop Carnival has been a Teesdale staple for decades and it has grown to become one the district’s biggest traditional fairs.

Its organisers meet in the Wheatsheaf on Sunday, January 28, at 6pm to plan out the 2018 event. Carnival manager Tony Smith wants to see some fresh faces and new ideas – even if it’s just for a quick chat.

Mr Smith said: “Last year we got quite a good response. Some years we get a good response and in other years people move on.

“We are just trying to modernise it and we’ve managed to keep most of the team from last year. It’s always been a good carnival and it’s been built up over the years – when I came on board we introduced classic cars and that went down really well.”

Last summer saw classic tractors off the main road for the first time and Mr Smith is keen to bring more musical additions this time around.

He added: “I’d like to get some buskers in this year and some musicians off the main street – but we’re still going to have all the traditional events.

“We also have a Christmas carnival as part of carnival events and we would like to introduce a farmers’ market on the day with local producers.”

Mr Smith joined the carnival’s organising group four years ago, taking over the helm from Liz Cronin last year. The old carnival committee has been rebranded as Staindrop Carnival Events and has slowly increased its membership over the past 18 months.

Work to ensure the carnival’s showpiece parade starts now with road closures and procedures to be booked in.

But Mr Smith added there was still plenty of time for fresh ideas to be introduced.

He said: “Anyone can come along – it would be ideal to see someone with a van or a trailer or one thing or another but anybody can come along – even a 16-year-old which could offer them a good experience of how to run things or pensioners with something to offer.”

Volunteers who could give up an hour or two on the big day itself are also welcomed with open arms.

“It’s putting bins out, stalls up and stuff like that – any help is always appreciated,” added Mr Smith.

To get involved, go along to the meeting or contact Mr Smith 07789 236081.