BURY Carnival will celebrate its 29th anniversary on Sunday, June 1 and maintain its status as the town's premier annual event.

Sadly, crippling insurance costs have forced Bury Lions to abandon the colourful floats parade and another major change is the event switching to a Sunday.

But with all the usual field attractions at Bury Showground, Castlecroft, plus a host of arena acts and stalls, the Lions are confident the public will turn out in force once again.

The carnival, sponsored by Bury-based foil top and drinking straw manufacturers Chadwick's, gets under way at 11am.

Nearly two hours later, the Mayor of Bury Coun Roy Walker will officially open the event.

On the field itself, there will be scores of stalls offering a huge variety of goods, games and attractions to suit every taste and all ages.

The popular John Collins fun fair will provide excitement galore while a giant car boot sale will be a boon for browsers eager to pick up a bargain.

Other attractions include Punch and Judy shows, motorbike rides, a range of Army displays as well as the daredevil "death slide" and music courtesy of the Emley Brass Band.

In keeping with recent years, on-field arena acts will be a popular feature. The Van Buren Magic Spectacular, billed as Europe's number one touring magic show, is set to pull in the crowds.

Described as a "unique form of outdoor entertainment and a large scale illusion show," highlights will include a lady cut into four pieces and the incredible vanishing motorcycle and rider!

Another act will spotlight the talents of shepherdess, trainer and sheepdog trial competitor, Elaine Hill. Elaine's border collies normally work with sheep but on Sunday the dogs will be working with geese, ducks and ducklings! Visitors stand the chance to win a prize in a balloon race while the carnival programme will contain a number with a £30 Marks and Spencer voucher for the lucky winner.

Admission is £1 for adults and 50p for children. All proceeds go to local charities.

A typical display includes one dog shepherding geese around a sheep dog trial course.

Ducks are driven by a second dog around an obstacle course, through a tunnel, up a slide and down into a padding pool. Children will also be invited into the ring.

As usual, St John Ambulance will be available to lend a caring hand if required and toilets will also be sited on the field.

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