NEWS that Bury's annual carnival has been scrapped came as a great shock to us.

It was very sad, but I must emphasise to everyone that , Prestwich Carnival remains definitely ON in 2000. Moreover, to accommodate the increased number of events and activities in Millennium year, Prestwich Carnival will be held over two days.

The traditional parade and procession of carnival queens and royalty from all over the North of England goes ahead on Saturday, June 17, and an even bigger and better "Knockout Challenge" - for teams of adults and children - and many other entertainments including music, singing and dancing etc., continues on the Sunday. The reason for the continuing success of Prestwich Carnival - after 77 years - is that it is organised by a group covering all voluntary and community organisations in the town and is not too dependent on any one organisation. Indeed that was the very reason why Prestwich Carnival very nearly didn't happen two years ago.

We have the full backing of our excellent Prestwich Lions Club and its president, Harvey Hurwitch. Other groups include Prestwich Rotary, Prestwich Business Forum, and committee representatives like St John Ambulance, Prestwich Council of Churches, Prestwich Sports Council, local sports clubs, Parrenthorn and Prestwich high schools, Prestwich Area Board, and many more.

One of the objectives of Prestwich Carnival is to enable local charities and community groups to display their activities to the public - and to raise funds for their organisations.

Indeed, we extend a warm welcome to everyone - exhibitors, participants and visitors - who have visited Bury Carnival in the past, to come along to Prestwich Carnival instead.

JOHN ARDERN,

publicity officer,

Prestwich Carnival,

(773 2252).

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.