THE sun came out as if on cue to provide a warm welcome to Bury Carnival's 30th anniversary celebrations.

It was just the icing on the carnival cake for organisers Bury Lions which had feared the earlier rain would continue throughout Sunday (June 7).

However, as if by magic, the skies cleared and the sun shone throughout the duration of the gala which attracted thousands of visitors.

Held at Bury Ground, Castlecroft, the town's premier event certainly lived up to its reputation.

Although for the second successive year there was no floats procession, the attractions and activities on the field itself more than made up for the loss.

Attractions included more than 50 stalls, sideshows, funfair, Army and Navy displays and two popular arena acts, featuring the Monster Action Stunt Display Team and the Essex Dog Display team.

The Monster team, one of whose members is pictured all fired up during a spectacular motor bike stunt, proved one of the biggerst hits of the day.

Music was provided by the Milnrow and Army Cadets Marching bands and other activities included a giant car boot sale and balloon race.

Bury Lions estimate up to 3,000 people paid to get on to the field, enjoying all the events which made up a bumper 30th anniversary programme.

Carnival chairman, Mr Ric Greenwood said: "Because of the weather and the fact it had been raining early on, the numbers were slightly down on last year."

However, because of an increase in the entrance fee, the amount of money raised on the day was on a par with last year.

And that will mean a clutch of Bury-based charities and good causes receiving a cash boost at a presentation evening next month.

Commenting on the gala, Mr Greenwood added: "Thankfully, the sun came out for the carnival and it was really smashing.

"Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and I would describe the carnival as excellent. We're very happy with the way it went."

VIPs who attended included Bury mayor Councillor Connie Fitzgerald and the borough's two MPs, David Chaytor and Ivan Lewis.

The chairman continued: "From a monetary point of view, we've done quite well."

The earlier wet weather put paid to some of the large "monster trucks" taking to the field, primarily because of the soft ground. The display was one of two in the main arena.

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