THOUSANDS of people are expected to converge on the town centre on Sunday for the Bury Lions Carnival - which will feature a floats parade and a host of gala attractions.

Established as one of the town’s premier annual highlights, organisers are hoping for a big turnout from adults and children to make it a fun-filled spectacle.

This year, the gala site will be located on the market car park, near Cecil Street, to the rear of DW Sports Fitness, with attractions and activities getting under way at 10am.

However, the largest crowd-puller is expected to be the colourful parade, featuring decorated vehicles, walking parties and bands.

The procession will gather in Market Street before setting off at 1.30pm with the Lancashire Fusiliers Band and Corps of Drums again at the front. In keeping with tradition, they will weave in to Angouleme Way, Haymarket Street, Market Street and then to The Rock.

Scott Richardson, Bury Lions carnival chairman, said: “We will have four bands playing and it’s going to be a big parade with walking parties and floats. We’re still getting applications coming in, so at this stage it’s hard to say how many will be taking part in the procession.

“At the gala site, we will have between 25 and 30 stalls, tombola, a car boot sale and children’s attractions including battery-operated go-karts and bouncy castles, performances by morris and street dancers as well as the carnival queens judging. A funfair at the Foundry Street car park will be held on both Saturday and Sunday.”

Girls aged between four and 18 have until 10.15am on Sunday to register free for the Carnival Queens contest at the gala site. There will be three age categories and the individual winners are scheduled to be crowned after the floats parade.

Two new sponsors, Crafty Pig Creations and Taylor Faith Hair Design, have come on board, joining Rowe Hankins, Bury IT Support, Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe, Pure Indulgence and CPS Cudis.

Mr Richardson added: “My main concern is to make the carnival bigger and better. But we still need everyone’s support as we can’t do without it. The more people and businesses who get involved, the more extravagant we can make the event.”

Bury Lions members will be at the Mill Gate shopping centre tomorrow.

  • There’s still time to enter for the floats parade and gala. To register, and for any other information: contact Mr Richardson on 07780 387425 or email burylionscarnival@hotmail.co.uk. Updated information on the carnival is also being posted on burylionsclub.org.uk