THIS summer sees the renowned Stockton International Riverside Festival return once again - and YOU can help shape it this year.

One of the many highlights of SIRF is the Community Carnival.

More than 1,000 people will take part in a super-size parade down the town’s High Street.

This year people are being asked to decide on the carnival’s theme.

The carnival has a main theme and title which is then split into six sections - with a different artist designing each section.

Jan Doherty, arts development manager at Stockton Council, explained: “This year’s it’s going to be the people’s choice.

“We’re throwing it over to the public for their suggestions for a theme.”

To fill in an entry form log onto www.stockton.gov.uk/carnival The deadline for submissions is 5pm on Friday April 15.

The prize for the winning entry is the honour of being the Carnival King or Queen for the day.