THE countdown to Prestwich Carnival 2004 has begun.

With just ten weeks to go to the big event on Sunday, June 20, Father's Day, it's all systems go to make this year's carnival the best ever.

And with last year's festival of fun beating all records, with about 15,000 visitors to the parade and St Mary's Park, organisers have set themselves an ambitious target to beat.

The carnival is being planned by members of the Sunshine Team carnival committee and sponsored by the Prestwich and Whitefield Guide.

The traditional parade through the streets of Prestwich will set off from Rectory Lane at 1pm with five marching bands, the Prestwich Carnival Queens, stretch limousines and Harley Davidson motorbikes.

Entertainment will be provided on the showground in St Mary's Park all day from noon to around 6pm where the Tower FM roadshow will keep things ticking along.

There will be a huge fun fair with all the latest rides and lots of games for people to get involved in.

One of the ever-growing attractions of the Carnival has been the Lions Stalls Village, which features a busy market place full of stalls, attractions and raffles.

This is a great opportunity for local groups, charities and organisations to raise their profile and raise some money at the same time.

Any group can book a stall by contacting Harvey Hurwitch on 655 3269 (daytime) or 796 0684 (evenings).

Joint chairman David Curtis, who shares the role with Mr Hurwitch of Prestwich Lions, said: "This year the carnival is on Father's Day but the carnival is a family fun day here in Prestwich, so it is an ideal day out. Our message to people is that you don't have to go to Blackpool or Alton Towers for a family day out. We have it all here in Prestwich!

"Last year the people came out, but the sun came out also. We are hoping to match it this year; if not better it. I am confident we can do this, considering the event has just gone from strength to strength. Just over five years ago, I went to the carnival and saw a man and his dog in the arena and about 300 visitors. I thought 'Is that it?' and knew we could do better."