BURY'S premier gala event is back with a bang this June after a year's absence.

And Bury Lions have once again taken up the reins to stage the annual carnival. The event will be held in the town's Mosses car park on Sunday, June 6.

An upsurge in membership is the major reason behind the club's decision to take over the organisation of Bury Carnival again.

The Lions had staged the annual gala for around 30 years before being forced to give up in 2000 due to a combination of factors.

The Bury Times Group stepped into the breach and put on the gala in 2001 and then the following year when, for the first time in its history, the carnival was staged over two days. However, the gala did not go ahead last year.

But for 2004, the Lions club is taking over the running of the popular event. Attractions already lined up include a funfair, an arena with motor bike stunts, children's, Army and police displays plus the traditional and popular stalls and sideshows.

Lion Mr Frank Mirabitur, carnival chairman, said: "All our members are quite enthusiastic about staging the event again. We have a lot of new and younger members."

For many years, the event had been staged at Castlecroft. But this year, the carnival is switching to a new venue at the Mosses car park.

Mr Mirabitur added: "The ground at Castlecroft used to be quite boggy. We believe that the Mosses will be a better site."

Letters from Bury Lions are now being circulated to previous stallholders inviting them to take part. Anyone requiring information can contact Mr Mirabitur on 01204 883004.