RAMSBOTTOM was ablaze with flowers this weekend but it was the controversial sculpture, the Tilted Vase, vase which stole the show!

The official unveiling by five-year-old Joel Duncan on Sunday (pictured) was given a warm reception despite mixed feelings about the sculpture being erected in the town centre. International artist Ed Allington was on hand to watch his sculpture unveiled.

Former Bury Mayor Councillor Trevor Holt led the ceremony in the crowded Market Place.

The artist who has worked across Europe said: "I would like to thank the people who made it possible and supported me."

Following which the spotlight fell on young Joel of Stubbins CP School to cut the purple ribbon and unveil the £250,000 sculpture, which forms the centrepiece of the National Lottery funded Irwell Sculpture Trail, stretching from Salford to Rossendale.

Joel was the winner of a painting competition to commemorate the weekend unveiling and flower festival.

Crowds were then entertained by the various dance and music events including the sounds of the Zamba Band. Flowers adorned the town centre and the weekend marked the first major event to boost town centre trade and tourism.

Mr John Arnott, Ramsbottom's Chamber of Trade representative, said: "The atmosphere was wonderful, many people commented that there were more visitors to the town than usual."

He added: "I am sure the sculpture will become as well-known as Peel Tower, which probably was just as controversial when it was first built."

This Sunday between 2pm and 4pm a whole host of fun events have been lined-up to mark the unveiling of Kerry Morrison's sculpture which will take pride of place in Nuttall Park.

Entitled Seek and You will Find, the sculpture is a series of chainsaw-carved wooden sculptures illustrating the flora found around the park.

Councillor Warren Flood, chairman of of the Irwell Sculpture Trail Partnership Committee, said: "Over the last few months we have seen a lot of new work on the trail which has generated a great deal of excitement."

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