RADCLIFFE will be transformed into a blaze of colour this weekend as the town stages its 37th annual carnival.

And all the tried and tested ingredients which have made the traditional gala Radcliffe's premier community event since 1965, figure prominently once again in a packed two-day programme.

Apart from the parade, the stalls and other carnival-related activities on Saturday (June 1), visitors can turn back the clock to a previous era when they attend the popular vintage car and commercial rally the following day (Sunday June 2).

Although the borough as a whole is celebrating the Queen's Golden Jubilee, Radcliffe Carnival will still command its rightful place in the hearts of local people, insist organisers.

The Red Bank Playing Fields in Unsworth Street will once again act as the venue for the carnival. And kicking off the festivities at 10am on Saturday will be the majorettes and a car boot sale.

Silcock's Fair will be up and running from 11am until 10pm.

Between 1.40pm and 2pm, the majorette troupes will perform in the arena of the carnival field.

And at 2pm, the parade of floats will move off as the procession begins.

The route is: Unsworth Street, Lowe Street, Ainsworth Road, Water Street, Blackburn Street, Pilkington Way, Stand Lane, Church Street, Rectory Lane, Spring Lane, Water Street and then arriving back at Unsworth Street. All these roads will be closed from 1.30pm until 4.30pm.

Other main highlights on the Saturday include the Queens' arena opening ceremony at 4.30pm followed by the parade of Queens.

Throughout the afternoon, members of the public can enjoy a wide range of stalls and sideshows and join in the carnival fun.

On Sunday, the Lancashire Vehicle Club-organised vintage car and commercial vehicle rally will be staged between 10am and 5pm. Other attractions include morris dancing and Silcock's Fair.

And organisers and visitors will be keeping their fingers crossed the two-day event is blessed with sunshine.

Radcliffe Carnival chairman Mr Ray Vevers is hopeful that despite numerous events lined up to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee, the annual gala will not suffer.

"Things are going along very nicely," he said. "After our successful weekend last year with the carnival parade on the Saturday and the vintage cars on the Sunday, we have decided to do the same this year to make it a bumper year."