Every summer, Stockton-on-Tees plays host to one of the most vibrant and innovative outdoor arts festivals in the UK — the Stockton International Riverside Festival (SIRF). First launched in 1988, SIRF has become a cornerstone of Stockton’s cultural identity, showcasing awe-inspiring performances, international street theatre, and breathtaking live installations. For four dazzling days, the town is transformed into a living, breathing celebration of creativity, connection, and community spirit.
At the heart of this internationally recognised event is something quietly powerful — the SIRF Community Carnival. Held on the Sunday of the festival, it’s a joyful, grassroots parade that brings together local community groups, charities, performers, and schools to celebrate the rich diversity of Stockton. Led proudly each year by the Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees, the carnival is a chance for the people who live and work in the town to step into the spotlight, express their creativity, and feel part of something bigger.
This Year’s Theme: Whistles, Wheels and Wonders
The 2025 theme for the Community Carnival was revealed by Amber Brown, Creative Programmes Officer at Stockton Borough Council:
“Whistles, Wheels and Wonders is a fantastical carnival parade celebrating the genius of invention. Whimsical, mechanical creatures animate a blend of sound, motion and imagination where the clanging of gears, hiss of steam and melodic whistle of machinery come together to form a symphony of progress.”
For many of us, the theme immediately evoked the proud heritage of the town. Stockton is famously home to the world’s first passenger railway, which departed from nearby Shildon and arrived in Stockton in 1825. It felt especially fitting to celebrate invention, motion, and steam-powered imagination right here in the birthplace of the railways.
To help us visualise the theme, we turned to a little AI magic. With support from ChatGPT, we generated a steampunk-inspired concept image of how a whimsical trishaw might look if it were transformed into a fantastical invention. That image helped guide our vision — providing a spark of inspiration that helped shape what could be achieved on a shoestring budget and limited time.
We also coordinated with the team at The White House Care Home in Hartburn, who kindly shared photos of Kathleen, our passenger for the day, in her spectacular themed costume. We were determined to complement her look with a trishaw that matched her flair.
Bringing Trixie to Life
Over just two days, we got to work transforming our trishaw, lovingly known as Trixie, into a mechanical marvel. With an eye on sustainability and accessibility, we focused on recycling and reusing materials wherever possible.
- Large cardboard boxes donated by the Multibank became giant cogs for the wheels
- Coloured paper, string, and cable ties came from our community store cupboard
- We added pipe lagging and bronze paint to mimic Victorian-style steam pipework
- A few splashes of foil, some curled paper ribbons, and two blue and yellow pinwheels brought colour and motion — the latter serving as a subtle but proud nod to our commitment to being dementia friendly
Using ChatGPT’s original design as a template, we knew we weren’t aiming for a perfect replica, but rather to capture the essence — and we did, with Oscar the dog modelling the finished result before the big day.
The Parade Day Experience
On Sunday, we collected Kathleen, along with Julie and Wendy from White House Care Home, and made our way to Stockton Central Library, the traditional meeting point for the Community Carnival. Here, participants gathered to add glitter, adjust costumes, compare headpieces and props, and share last-minute laughs before heading out.
As 2pm approached, a sense of electric anticipation filled the air. We lined up in order, shoulder to shoulder, creating a beautiful chaos of colour, music, invention, and laughter. Then — led by the Mayor — we set off.
From Thistle Green, we turned onto Church Road, paraded the full length of the High Street, waved our way down to Yarm Lane, and made our return lap — right back to where it all began.
Throughout the ride, Kathleen was a star. She asked passers-by if they liked her hat, blew kisses, and waved with theatrical flair. The crowds responded with cheers, smiles, and laughter. Children pointed excitedly, adults waved back with joy, and everyone felt the spirit of something truly special.
Take a look at the parade from Kathleen’s point of view — filmed from just behind her on the trishaw as she interacts with the community in full carnival spirit.
And for our volunteer pilot, Rob, it was just as memorable — not only for the joy of pedalling through the crowds, but for the pride in supporting others to take part in such a meaningful event.
“Today, Trixie and I took part in the SIRF Community Carnival alongside staff and residents from The White House Care Home. It was a brilliant opportunity to show the people of Stockton what Cycling Without Age is all about — bringing joy, connection, and visibility to those who can’t always get out on their own. Waving to the crowds, hearing the cheers, and seeing how proud our passengers were made every step of the route worthwhile.”
— Rob, Volunteer Trishaw Pilot, Cycling Without Age Stockton-on-Tees
Inspired by Rob’s experience? Learn more about becoming a volunteer trishaw pilot and help us bring the joy of cycling to more people across Stockton.
“It was brilliant, it was wonderful, can I do it again?” — Kathleen, passenger and parade superstar
“It was brilliant, absolutely fabulous. Really enjoyed it.” — Julie, Activities Coordinator
“I loved it but it’s really hot and we need an ice cream.” — Wendy, Activities Coordinator
From behind the handlebars, we captured the journey from the pilot’s view — a video that shows the colour, sound, and smiles of a town on its feet, celebrating its people.
Why It Matters
The joy of this day goes beyond the glitter, the costumes, or the applause. It’s about participation. It’s about visibility. It’s about shouting about the great work that happens quietly in our town every day — and bringing people like Kathleen into the heart of it.
In that moment, she wasn’t a resident in a care home — she was a celebrated, contributing member of her community. She made people smile, laugh, wave, and feel something. And that is the very essence of why we do what we do.
“I really value and appreciate how the Community Carnival brings together some of the very best of Stockton’s communities. Each year, a diverse range of groups come together in costume, with dance routines, live music, and those incredible mechanical puppets to engage and interact with the crowds in a multisensory way. The support from the local community — those who turn out to watch, wave, and cheer — is a real lifeline for people like Kathleen, who may not get out to visit places as often as they’d like. That interaction with the crowd is a huge boost. Watching Kathleen come alive during the parade was probably the most memorable part for me. And trust me — if you saw her on the trishaw, you won’t forget her!” — Alison Watson-Shields, Director, Cycling Without Age Stockton-on-Tees
Support Our Work
If you’ve been moved by this story and would like to help us bring more smiles, more freedom, and more moments like Kathleen’s to our local community, please consider making a donation.
Donate to Cycling Without Age Stockton
With Thanks
A heartfelt thank you to the team behind SIRF and the Creative Programmes Team at Stockton Borough Council for making this event possible — for keeping art and connection alive, even in the midst of challenges facing our town and country.
And thank you to every single person who lined the streets, waved, clapped, smiled, or cheered. Because that support — those little moments of connection — are what transform a day into a memory.
In the end, the Community Carnival is more than a parade. It’s a reminder that we are all part of something bigger. That inclusion, creativity, and care are the gears that keep our community turning.
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