Here's everything you need to know about Harrogate's big carnival this weekend

Harrogate will become the party capital of the county when the town “Welcomes the World” in true carnival style tomorrow, Saturday.
The carnival is coming - Coun Stanley Lumley, Harrogate Borough Councils cabinet member for culture, tourism and sport, second left, is carnival dancer Natalie Brown, Harrogate Borough Council chief executive Wallace Sampson, and carnival dancer Lorraina Gumbs.The carnival is coming - Coun Stanley Lumley, Harrogate Borough Councils cabinet member for culture, tourism and sport, second left, is carnival dancer Natalie Brown, Harrogate Borough Council chief executive Wallace Sampson, and carnival dancer Lorraina Gumbs.
The carnival is coming - Coun Stanley Lumley, Harrogate Borough Councils cabinet member for culture, tourism and sport, second left, is carnival dancer Natalie Brown, Harrogate Borough Council chief executive Wallace Sampson, and carnival dancer Lorraina Gumbs.

Featuring a range of entertainment including street theatre, dancing, food, music, and interactive workshops, the family-friendly day promises fun by the float load.

The carnival will be based in the Valley Gardens with an opening parade featuring ensembles from around the world throughout the town centre.

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Here is a breakdown of everything you need to know about what will be on offer on the day.

PARADEStarting at 11am, the carnival celebrations kick off with an opening parade featuring ensembles, music, and dance.FeaturingSauras by Close-Act TheatreBrass Band of 100 made up of local bands across the areaLeeds West Indian CarnivalHouriat Back Chat BrassThe Tanoura DancerBombay Baja BrassA Sweep of Swallows from A Bird in the Hand TheatreCroc Hunters

MUSIC STAGES The celebrations continue all day in the Valley Gardens, and the Global Music Stage will be one of the main focal points of the day. Expect New Orleans meets 90s club classics with Mr Wilson’s Second Liners, hip hop and Afrobeat.The line-up features:DJ Trev - 11am-noonMr Wilson’s Second Liners - Noon-12:30pm and 5.15pm-6pmTete de Pois - 1pm-1.45pmDennis Rollins’ FUNKY FUNK! - 2.15pm-3.15pmSambroso presents Buena Vista Social Club - 3.45pm-4.45pm

FAMILYDance and craft workshops, storytelling, rides, walkabout street theatre and more across the gardens throughout the day.Featuring:Craft workshopsChalking artSpray art graffitiWillow circlesCarnival crafts and dance movesMake and take carnival craftStorytelling with animated objectsFace painting

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GLOBAL DANCE STAGEHere visitors can sit back and watch - or dig out their dancing shoes - to learn Egyptian tandoura, Turkish belly dancing or Indian dance from Annapurna Indian Dance Company.Featuring:The Tanoura Dance - 1pm-1.15pm and 1.45pm-2pmHouriat Belly Dancing - 1.15-1.45pm and 2.30-3.30pmAnnapurna Indian Dance and workshop - 2pm-2.30pm and 3.30pm-4pmFlag dancers throughout the day

FOOD GLORIOUS FOODEat your way around the world with the food zone, washed down with an array of beverages to cater for every palateFeaturing:The Big Red Oven - Wood Fired Pizza SpecialistsPersis BaklavaHarvey’s SausagesHales BarMobile Bar / Pop-up Bar - Bierhaus NancyFlat EarthPavs DhabaCold Bath Brewing CompanyFifi’s Caribbean TwistWaterworksFreshly made doughnutsCarnival KitchenOnfire CateringFlavour EventsC and M IcesLebanese Street Food

FOOD THEATRECooking sessions and inspiring food demonstrations from around the world. Cookery demonstrations will be hosted by Yorkshire celebrity TV chef and Festivals’ favourite Stephanie Moon.Featuring:Pawel Cekala, The West Park Hotel, Harrogate - 11amSamira Effa, True Foods, Ripon - NoonKevin Fernandez, Rafi’s Spice Box, Harrogate - 1pmWhaheed Rojan, Round Table Dining - 2pmMehdi Boykemach, Fodder, Harrogate - 3pmKenneth Poon Head Chef, The Orchid Restaurant, Harrogate - 4pmFabrice Teston, Leeds City College - 5pm

WORKSHOPSUrban Art Chalking Art - all agesLeeds West Indian Carnival - ages 10+Annapurna Dance - ages 10+Belly Dancing - ages 10+Handmade Parade - ages 5+Spray Art - ages 8+Pattern & Structure Building - ages 8+Willow Circles - all ages

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WALKABOUT ACTSEnjoy the walkabout acts taking place through the park during the day including flower pot men, musical acts and a bee lady.Entry is free

TOWN CENTRE

Blue Belles - Noon-12.30pm ,1.30pm-2pm and 3pm-3.30pmRoo'd - 12.30pm-1pm, 2pm-2.30pm and 3.30pm -4pmHedgemen - 1pm-1.30pm, 2.30pm-3pm and 4pm-4.30pmFlamingos - 1.30pm-2pm, 3pm-3.30pm and 4.30pm-5pm

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