THE splendour of Prestwich Carnival is set to shine this weekend, offering two days of family fun.

On Saturday, St Mary's Park will be transformed into a 17th-century soldiers' camp when a war re-enactment group stage their show.

The Fairfax Battalia will recreate a way of life practised at the time of the English Civil War between the Roundheads and the Cavaliers.

From 11am to 5pm, more than 100 enthusiasts will be staging battle re-enactments using muskets, spikes and other weapons.

Bloco Ashe Samba Band will perform from 5pm to 6pm, and there will be a beer tent open from 11am to 5pm selling 25 real ales and lagers, whilst a fairground will be present all weekend.

Sunday will see the star-spangled parade, with floats and groups starting to assemble from 11.30am onwards in Rectory Lane, near to PADOS House.

Shortly after midday, organisers will the announce the Peter Timperley young citizen of the year award winner and the parade will begin at 1pm.

The procession set off along Rectory Lane, and take in Whittaker Lane, Bury Old Road, Nursery Road, Poppythorn Lane, Fairfax Road, Bury New Road and St Mary's Road before finishing at the park where there will be a stalls village, a vintage vehicle display, a model aircraft display.

Another highlight of the day will be drama, music and dance performances on the main stage.

Entertainment comes courtesy of youngsters from Footlights Theatre UK and J Star Academy of Performing Arts along with Gaz Grady, Steph and Ben, Jay and Ian, Borrowed Times, the Dan Lever Duo and Mamma Goose.

Throughout the day, students from St Monica's RC Sixth Form College will be running a cafe at the Phoenix Centre.

Carnival committee chairman Frank Shatliff said: "We're delighted with the programme of entertainment that we have put on and hope as many people as possible come along to join in the fun."