Horwich Carnival: All the details

9:10am Friday 16th May 2008

ORGANISERS are promising this year's Horwich Carnival will be the best ever.

They are currently putting the finishing touches to the running order for the town's huge weekend festival.

Two days of entertainment are due to take place at Old Station Park on June 21 and 22.

The annual carnival running and cycle races will also be taking place on the Sunday.

It was feared the events might not take place this year because of road closure issues.

Police will no longer operate "rolling roadblocks" by escorting parades along roads which are still open to traffic.

The issue first arose when the Horwich Remembrance Parade came under threat of cancellation last year because road closures are required to ensure the safety of participants in events.

But the events were saved for this year when Horwich Town Council contributed £1,400 for the carnival and £5,000 to the carnival races to help with the rising costs.

Saturday carnival events include a bonny baby show, a climbing wall, a "bucking bronco" game and other attractions.

The army will be attending on both days with an assault course.

On Sunday, a procession of floats will start at noon in Ramsbottom Road and will travel along Victoria Road, Church Street, Lee Lane and Chorley New Road.

Town councillor Kieran McGeehan, who is on the carnival committee, said: "This will be a fun-packed two days for all the family.

"We hope lots of people will come along and support us and that the weather is kind.

"The carnival volunteers have been working hard to ensure that it is the best ever."

The day will also see the crowning of the carnival queen and other carnival royalty, as well as displays by dancing teams.

Athletes and cyclists will descend on the town on Sunday for the Horwich Carnival Races.

The event attracts national interest and this year's races will include one for penny-farthing cycles.

A full schedule will be confirmed nearer the time of the event.

To take part, contact Kieran McGeehan 01204 400710 or Sue Denton on 01204 691723.

Olympic silver medal for Jason