Night of music sees Seaham Carnival expanded to four days

Seaham Carnival was once a one-day event, but for the first time will run from Thursday until Sunday.

It will kick off with an evening of music as part of the Brass festival, with performances by four bands billed as an “outdoor music extravaganza” on North Terrace.

Friday will see a repeat of the popular film night, with a big screen to be set up on the Terrace Green to show The Bodyguard followed by Grease 2 during the evening.

Saturday’s programme features a sing-a-long version of Frozen in the afternoon, followed by Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and Gallipoli, with additional shows by the Rhythm School of Acrobatics and the Old Grey Whistle Band.

Sunday, which remains the main day of the celebration, will see performances by the Starz Drama School, local bands 901’s and Trace The Atlas, and tributes to One Direction, Van Morrison, Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder, the Police and Sting and The Beautiful South.

Ed Blaney, who lives in the town, will then lead the grand finale with a show by his band Ultimate Bowie, a David Bowie tribute.

There will also be a free children’s activity arena, a visit by Scales and Tails, where carnival goers can pet animals, take part in circus skills workshop, tackle a climbing wall, take a penalty at a giant inflatable shoot out and enjoy fairground rides, which are charge free for under sevens,

Paul Fletcher, deputy town clerk of organiser Seaham Town Centre, said: “About four years ago we decided to make it a two or three day event and now we have the Brass festival who will make it a four day event. It will be even bigger this year.

“I think people will be able to see some excellent bands and we’ve had some great feedback about what we’ve been doing, especially the films, which is quite relaxing way to spend an evening or afternoon.”

The council has also said moving the date of the event, which previously clashed with the Sunderland International Airshow, has also proved a success after the decision to make it earlier in the summer was given a test-run.

Mr Fletcher added: “It’s made it a lot better and more people come now. The North East has got lots going on at weekends. The businesses have really got behind it.

“They way Seaham has gone with tourism during the last few years, it’s really taken off.”

In addition to the council’s efforts, Byron Place shopping centre will also join in from 10am to 4om on Saturday, when it will lay on bird-themed entertainment, free face painting and dressing up.

More details about Thursday’s Brass performances can be found via www.brassfestival.co.uk, with timings for the rest of the carnival on facebook.com/pages/Seaham-Town-Council.