Grande finale for this year’s Prestwich Festival

Date published: 14 June 2011

After six week’s of activities this year’s Prestwich Festival is preparing to end with a grand finale this weekend (18 and 19 June).

Here is a rundown of the events to look out for this week:

• A mad evening of entertainment is on offer on Friday 17 June at the Paragon Theatre (Prestwich Arts College) at 7.30 courtesy of Moston Active Drama and FC United. This is the world premier of Bunny Le Marr presents” – the awfulness of the X Factor collides with a dodgey driving instructor.
• On Saturday 18 June, you can spot the premier footballers of tomorrow at the Prestwich Carnival Football Tournament, which takes place between 9am to 3pm at St Mary’s Park. This event is organised by Marauders FC local junior teams will compete at this annual event plus food stalls and a fun fair.
• Sunday 19 June brings the ultimate family fun day out with the Prestwich Carnival and the Grand Parade. The carnival runs from 12 noon in St Mary’s Park with an array of entertainment.

Events on offer at the Prestwich Carnival include:
• Local pooches will be put through their paces at the RSPCA Dog Show.
• The stalls village featuring over 60 local community groups and businesses
• Food from around the world at the food arena.
• The show case arena will be hosted by Tower FM for 5 hours of live music featuring fabulous tributes to Take That and Lady Gaga as well as performances from Martin and the Manoeuvres, Dance Studio One, Becky Ginn, Middleton Pop Stars, Footlight Theatre Company and many more.
• There will also be majorettes marching bands from across the region will be competing, while the Court of Queens will add a touch of glamour and elegance to the day.
• Bouncy castles, clowns, circus skills, stilt walkers, face painting and a funfair will be on offer throughout the day.

The highlight of the day will of course be the Grand Parade. Running for 100 years this is Manchester’s oldest carnival and promises to be spectacular with marching bands, floats, dressed cars, giant street walkers, visiting queens, majorettes, fancy dress, clowns and the Town Cryer.

The Grand Parade leaves St Mary’s Park at 12noon and goes along Rectory Lane, Bury Old Road, Scholes Lane, Bury New Road and St Mary’s Rood. Please be prepared for traffic delays in the area whilst the parade takes place.

Visitors to the carnival and grand parade are advised to use public transport. St Mary’s Park is near to Prestwich Metrolink and on local bus routes to Manchester City Centre. Please note there is limited parking at St Mary’s Park.

Prestwich Carnival and Grand Parade is organised by the Sunshine Team of volunteers who plan the weekend months in advance.

Prestwich Festival Organiser, David Curtis said, “The Carnival has become a landmark event in the Prestwich calendar. It brings together community groups, charities, schools and residents for a fantastic weekend of fun and entertainment and to raise money for local good causes. Please come and join us – you really will have a wonderful time.”

For more information about the carnival please log on to www.prestwichfestival.net