BURY carnival is back with a bang on Sunday (June 6) after a year's absence.

The gala, which for more than 30 years had been the highlight of the town's events calendar, will be staged at the Mosses car park in Cecil Street between 11am and 4pm.

It is being sponsored by the Community Foundation for Greater Manchester, and Bury Lions club, which has taken over the responsibility of running the event, is urging everyone to go along.

Attractions include a daredevil mountain bike display and a performing dog along with charity and commercial stalls, bands and Radio Lollipop. There will also be ice cream and hot dog vendors.

The Greater Manchester Police crime prevention unit will also be present and local car dealers have been invited to put their new vehicles on show.

Bury Lions had put on the carnival for around 30 years before being forced to give up in 2000 for various reasons.

The Bury Times Group stepped into the breach and staged the gala in 2001 and again in 2002 when, for the first time in its history, the gala was held over two days. But the event did not go ahead last year.

An upsurge in Lions membership has meant that the club is able to stage the carnival again, albeit in a different format.

Carnival chairman, Mr Frank Mirabitur said: "We are grateful to the Bury Times for running it for the people of Bury, but due to adverse weather conditions in 2002 they have decided not to continue.

"That is why this year we are on the Mosses car park in the centre of the town. No mud! No vehicles stuck! And, hopefully, a dry and sunny day."

The Mayor of Bury, Councillor Wilf Davison, will officially open the carnival at 11am.

Timetable for scheduled performances:

11am -- The mayor opens the carnival followed by a performance by the Rochdale Borough Youth Wind Band.

11.45am -- Jez Avery mountain bike display.

12.30pm -- Rochdale Borough Youth Wind Band.

1.15pm -- Oscar the performing dog.

2pm -- Lancashire Fusiliers Fife & Drums Band.

2.45pm -- Jez Avery mountain bike display.

3.30pm -- Oscar the performing dog.