ORGANISERS are keeping their fingers crossed for sunny weather and a sparkling turnout at Radcliffe's 38th Carnival this weekend.

Carnival chairman Ray Vevers, who has been involved in the event since 1966, said: "I would like to thank the people of Radcliffe and surrounding towns for supporting us all these years and hope they will do the same this year."

The fun begins at 10am on Saturday (June 7) with a majorette display and an hour later Silcocks Fair opens for thrillseekers. Between 1pm and 1.30pm, judges will have the difficult task of selecting the winning carnival floats.

The parade sets off at 2pm and follows the usual route along Unsworth Street, Lowe Street, Ainsworth Road, Water Street, Blackburn Street, Pilkington Way, Stand Lane, Church Street, Rectory Lane, Spring Lane, Water Street and Unsworth Street. These roads will be closed from 1.30pm to 4.30pm.

The Carnival Queens Arena opening ceremony takes place at 4.30pm followed by a parade of carnival royalty led by Radcliffe Carnival Queen Andrea West who will be handing over her crown and sash to Carnival Queen Elect Sarah-Elizabeth Wiles.

Afterwards there will be more dancing displays, exhibitions and sideshows. And even if you cannot make it on Saturday you do not need to miss out as the fun continues into Sunday (June 8). Once again there will be morris dancing displays, a visit from the Army and the fair will still be in full swing. But there is the added attraction of a car boot sale (beginning at 10am) and a vintage car and commercial vehicle rally (10am - 5pm).

Bury South MP Ivan Lewis has once again given his full support to the event.

He said: "Radcliffe Carnival has become an essential part of our local calendar. It is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate a community spirit which has remained Radcliffe's strength in an era of much change and many challenges. Whilst it is important to make the best of the exciting opportunities presented by the modern world, we should hang on to the positive traditions which make Radcliffe special."

Groups which would like to enter a float in the carnival or have a stall on the field should ring Mr Vevers on 797 4475.