THE centre of Darlington will be filled with colour and celebration this weekend, when the 29th community carnival comes to town.

Hundreds of people are expected to parade through the town tomorrow with costumes and floats reflecting the theme, It's a Good Life.

Jackie Maddison, chairwoman of the carnival committee, said: "We chose this theme to show that it can be a good life. The theme represents what the carnival is about.

"It fits in with how people are happy to get involved and volunteer for the carnival."

Mayor of Darlington Lee Vasey will open the carnival at 11am tomorrow in Stanhope Park. She said: "The carnival is very important to Darlington.

"The town has always had a lot of culture and having a carnival where the community comes together showcases this."

Free family entertainment and activities will take place throughout the day in the park, with community and charity information stalls.

Dance and music groups will perform at the Arts Centre plaza, and there will also be entertainment and live bands performing on the Newblood stage in the park.

The annual carnival parade will leave at noon from the park, and will follow a route through the town, alongside street performers and entertainers.

Schools and community groups from around the area have worked with local artists to create costumes, sculptures and banners for the parade.

Hummersknott School samba band, Groundwork North-East, Darlington College, Tiffany School of Dance and Darlington Arts Academy are some of the organisations taking part in this year's parade.

Mrs Maddison said: "Each year the carnival raises money for a specific charity, while creating publicity for the organisations and groups taking part."

The Vast Majorities will bring the day to a close, with a performance at the Arts Centre raising money for the carnival's chosen charity.

Funds this year will go towards First Stop, a charity for the homeless based in Darlington.

The event will result in several road closures. See the graphic above.

Stanhope Park: Start (noon) and finish of the carnival parade. Family entertainment and activities 11am to 5pm