It’s carnival time!
Preparations are in full swing for the Washington Carnival.
The finishing details are being put in place for this year’s event, which will be held in Albany Park on Saturday, September 16.
Last year, the celebrations attracted up to 5,000 people andorganisersarehopingthis yearwillbeequallyassuccessful.
Coun Linda Williams, chairman of the Washington Area Committee, said everyone is looking forward to the event.
She added: “The WashingtonCarnivalisafantasticfamily event, with something for everyone to enjoy, with children at the heart of the celebrations.
“We want to provide the members of our community with the chance to learn more about the magnificent history and tradition of Washington and feel part of it, whilst celebrating the area by taking part in all of the fun activitiesavailableontheday.” The community celebrationwillbeginwithaparadeof local colliery and school banners, the WymRyder Motorbike group, dance and theatre groups, The Clean and Green teamandDurham Cadets. They will be led by Backworth Brass Band along with Town Crier, Jim Chambers. The parade will leave Washington Gardener’s Club at 9.45am to march along Front Street onto Albany Way and will arrive at F-Pit Museum in Albany Park at 10am. This will mark the beginning of the free, family carnival which will be opened by theMayorofSunderland, Coun Doris MacKnight, and run until 4pm. Washington Carnival is funded through Sunderland City Council’s Washington Area Committee, supported by the local community and delivered in partnership with Sunderland City Council and managed by Sunderland North Community Business Centre.
It celebrates the fascinating history of Washington withmusic,dance,traditional crafts,games,children’srides, exhibitions and a range of activities and attractions.
Throughout the day of the carnival there will be entertainment with events, activities,displaysanddemonstrations from a wide range of organisationsandcommunity groups with something to involve and entertain everyone.