Carnival time is here as Seaham prepares to host annual celebration

The open air films shown at Seaham Carnival have proved a hit in recent years.

Food will join films and a festival of live music as a town's annual celebration is staged this weekend.

Seaham Carnival will be staged on the town’s seafront from Friday evening until late on Sunday, with a fair to be set up around the coastal road.

This year’s celebrations will feature a food and craft tent for the first time, with the marquee to be set up close to Bath Terrace during Saturday and Sunday.

Friday’s event will kick off on Terrace Green with an open air screening of Footloose at 6pm, followed by Billy Elliot at 8pm, with the films to continue on Saturday with Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip, followed by a performance by Seaham Music Academy at 2pm, with the group to perform numbers from the Star Wars score before Star Wars: The Force Awakens is screened.

The features were chosen by residents in the run up to the event, which is run by Seaham Town Council.

A host of bands are lined up to play from 5pm to 9pm on Saturday, starting with Rabble Rousers, then The Antics from 6pm, Remould from 7pm, Mandora at 8pm and then headliner Shine On, a Pink Floyd tribute act.

Sunday’s music will feature opening shows from local acts from 11am, before a series of tribute bands appear.

A Little Mix act will perform from 2pm, an Adele singer from 3.30pm, The Eagles from 5.30pm, a Dire Straits band from 7pm, and hits by the Stereophonics will be played from 9pm.

Free children’s rides will be set up in Church Street, with a free climbing wall and a penalty shoot out challenge to also be set up.

Deputy town clerk Paul Fletcher said: “The films have been voted for by the general public and they’ve chosen for some really good ones.

“There’s something for grown ups and children to enjoy.

“We decided not to hold the parade any longer because there wasn’t the support for it, but that is something we’re talking about bringing back next year in a new form.

“The local jazz band is away at a competition and we really want them to be a part of it.

“I’m sure everyone who comes along will have a good time.”

More information can be found via the town council’s Facebook page.