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Organisers hailing 'best carnival yet'

Ailsa Cranna
19/ 6/2008

IT WAS the biggest, and the best yet... That’s the official verdict from the organisers of this year’s Prestwich Carnival.

Carnival chairman David Curtis said thousands turned up to a sun-drenched St Mary’s Park on Saturday and Sunday to enjoy the festivities.

He said: "I have been involved with the event for the last 13 years and been chairman since 2000 and can say that this year’s was undoubtedly the best we’ve ever had.

"The weather helped, especially when the sunshine came out on the Sunday just before the parade set off.

"There was loads for people to do. New this year was the cycle zone and the skateboard zone - both were extremely popular as were the circus skills sessions for the youngsters.

"But the crowds were equally enthusiastic about the showcase arena, where they were entertained by singer Marvin Ruffin, and tribute acts to Kylie Minogue, Rod Stewart, Amy Winehouse and the Blues Brothers.

"Many said the acts were better than the real thing."

Two 16ft stilt walkers kept everyone on their toes with their balancing acts and the court of queens proved a major draw to the public, and not just to proud families of the girls involved.

Mayor of Bury, Councillor Peter Ashworth, together with Bury South MP Ivan Lewis and the Blackpool Town Crier were on hand to join the fun and lead the parade from the park on a tour of the town before arriving back.

David, 68, former manager of the Longfield Centre until he retired, said the carnival cost around £10,000 to stage and his committee would spend the next fortnight counting costs and paying bills before deciding which 10 local charities would be awarded grants at a grand presentation night in October.