CRIPPLING insurance costs have forced Bury Carnival's popular floats parade off the road - forever.

Bury Lions this week announced the giant floats procession, the highlight of the annual event for the past 28 years, has been scrapped.

And in another major break with tradition, the main carnival day is being switched from a Saturday to a Sunday.

The Sabbath gala is being planned to climax a week-long programme of carnival-related events in the town.

The shock decision to abandon the colourful parade comes in the wake of dwindling float entries by firms and organisations, primarily because of high insurance costs.

Carnival chairman, Mr John Cullen, said: "People may be surprised and perhaps saddened, as all club members are, that it has been decided not to have a parade next year.

"It has to be said that the number of entrants to the parade has been falling away in the last few years.

"This is mainly because of float costs and, not least, the cost of insurance."

The insurance fees, which can be as much as £400, are required to cover those riding on the back of a float in case of accidents.

And more companies do not have the money to spend on such commercial ventures.

However, Mr Cullen hopes plans for a new-look carnival will more than compensate for the disappointment.

Next year's Bury Carnival will be staged on Castlecroft ground on Sunday, June 1.

He added: "But in the week preceding the gala, we intend to organise events that will involve different parts of the community.

"For those who enjoyed the parade and its costumes, arrangements are being made for an alternative 'carnival' in Bury town centre, perhaps on the Saturday.

"Bury Lions Club will also offer its name and support to any other organisation prepared to hold an event that week to support the week's activities."

The organisation has already produced a preliminary programme of activities that could be staged.

Mr Cullen continued: "People should remember that the event now goes on all week, culminating in the main gala on the Sunday." Bury Carnival has been the town's premier event since it was first launched in 1969.

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