New carnival club launched for South Tyneside youngsters

The Creative Seed carnival club. From left Hazel Pude, Sandy Harris, Emma Bloomfield, Garna Harris and Sarah Shaw.

Husband-and-wife team Garner and Sandy Harris have launched a Carnival Youth Club at Hedworthfield Community Centre.

The aim of the venture is to encourage as many people as possible – in particular young ones – to get involved in the forthcoming Jarrow Community Carnival on May 28 and the South Tyneside Parade on July 2.

Sessions, run as part of the couple’s company Creative Seed, will be held on Fridays, starting at 5pm.

Activities will including costume making, street dance and circus skills.

Mr Harris, who is a former West End choreographer, said: “We want as many people as possible to get involved but more importantly to come along and have fun!

“We have two big events planned, the Jarrow carnival and the South Tyneside parade that people can get involved in. We just want to reach out to as many people as possible.”

The couple have led on a number of carnival-themed projects over the years since setting up their company.

In the past they have played a big part in the South Tyneside parade injecting a hint of carnival fun into the event with a variety of big and bright colourful costumes.

This year’s theme for the South Tyneside parade is nautical.

Garner added: “There is so much excitement around the forthcoming parades – we can’t wait to get started with the workshops.

“Young people interested can just come along on the Friday night and see what is on offer.”

The Friday sessions start on April 8 and cost £1.

The Creative Seed is a creative production company delivering a range of creative workshops including theatre performances and community carnivals.

For details on Creative Seed CIC, visit www.creativeseed.co.uk or www.facebook.com/TheCreativeSeedCarnival or call Garner 07725267478, Sandy on 07920107479 or Hedworthfield CA on 5196700.