Hetton Carnival returns for 2024 with two days of carnival rides, alpacas and more

Hetton Carnival returns to the Lyons Country Park in Hetton this weekend.

The two day event will be held from 11am to 5pm on Saturday the 15th and Sunday the 16th of June at the sprawling country park.

The return of the carnival has been welcomed by locals and visitors from afar after its 2023 success.

It was brought together by organisers Events2gogo, Hosts Springboard and the renowned North East fairground operators Carnival Rides UK , all of whom are based locally and have a real passion for bringing back the historic event.

Fiona Harnett of Events2gogo said: “The new and exciting additions from Iceborn Vikings, Bluey and Bingo, Bramblewood Alpacas and have a go health and fitness with Evolution Gym of Houghton le Spring, will bring a fabulous family offering to the carnival.

“AED Medical will also be doing demonstrations on essential life saving techniques. Dodgems will also be making their first appearance to the fairground.”

Springboard who manage the Green Flag Country Park on behalf of Sunderland City Council will have their Lakes Café open for the two days, for speciality coffee, tea, snacks, ice lollies and paninis.

They will also have the giant climbing wall at the water’s edge. 

John Pooley of Springboard said: “It is a pleasure to be hosting the Hetton Carnival once again, as a local community charity we hope that as many people as possible can come along and enjoy what’s on offer.”

A family funfair will provide rides and amusements for young children including Giant Transformer mascots, Bingo and Bluey, plus the bubble man.

You can even get into the carnival spirit with festival hair, glitter and face painting.

Over 40 makers and bakers stalls will provide a shopping experience, selling a wide range of items from cakes, pies and pastries, to uniquely crafted goods and gifts from local exhibitors. 

Dogs on leads are welcome and there will be dog treat stalls from the likes of Mammys Biscuits and Larmar Star Pet Supplies.

Foodies will be spoilt for choice with a food and drink village area providing treats from around the world including German, Chinese, and Greek cuisine, desserts and ice creams.

And if you get thirsty - mocktails, slushes, cocktails and ales will be on offer - with people encouraged to bring their own picnic blankets.

Sunday will see up to 40 retro cars on display from 80s-90s Car Culture N.E.

Plus TnT dance and performing arts followed by local girl group Pink Lemonade will be entertaining the crowd from 12 noon.

Local community groups taking part include Friends of the Country Park, Hetton Primary School, Foster Cares, Apostolic Church Easington Lane and The Bethany Church Choir.

Admission is free with secure managed parking offered at a price per vehicle basis of £2 - with donations going to the Friends of Hetton Lyons Country Park and Springboard to aid the upkeep and new additions to the Country Park.