CARNIVAL crowds will have the chance to go ‘back in time’ this weekend at the 50th anniversary Radcliffe Carnival.

As the event celebrates its milestone year, residents are being urged to embrace a retro theme for the fun-packed weekend.

The annual parade will take place through Radcliffe Town Centre on Saturday afternoon, while Red Bank Field will play host to a funfair and the Tower FM roadshow.

After more volunteers started to come forward after an urgent appeal last week, carnival committee chairman Andrew Clarkson said he now cannot wait for this year’s proceedings to get started.

He enthused: “A huge amount of work has gone into getting everything ready for the 50th anniversary and we’re now at the point where we are just really looking forward to it.

“We are hoping for good weather, good spirits, and for everyone to really embrace the day. If we get that then it will be a great weekend for Radcliffe.

“We have been assured that all the roadworks in the town centre will be gone come Saturday, which is a relief, and there has been a big upturn in the number of floats and stalls we’ll have in the last couple of weeks.”

The carnival programme is on sale locally, priced at £1, which includes competitions to win an iPad Mini and a meal at the Italia Mia restaurant.

Also featuring in the gala celebrations will be a giant car boot sale and vintage car rally, as well as a fun run on the Outwood Trail.

Andrew added: “We have a lot more happening at this year’s carnival than we usually have, particularly on the Sunday, and we are expecting a big crowd because of that.

“There really is something there for everyone this year.

“We are now getting the numbers we need in terms of volunteers for the parade, but we always need more so I would urge people to still get in touch with us.

“Everyone is welcome to come down and take part in as much as they can and I want to see plenty of people dressed up and getting in the spirit of things.”

There is still time to enter the parade or book a stall by emailing info@radcliffecarnival.co.uk before 1pm on Saturday.

To volunteer to help with the parade: call Andrew Clarkson on 07830112123.

50th Radcliffe Carnival timetable

SATURDAY

• Gala on Red Bank Field, 10am-5pm

• Street parade around Radcliffe town centre, 2pm-4pm

Attractions include:

• Silcock’s Fun Fair

• Miniature Steam Railway

• Vesperados Scooter Club

• The Big Lunch, hosted by the Halifax

• Morris dancers, majorettes, and carnival royalty

• Children’s assault course

SUNDAY

• Fun Run on the Outwood Trail, starting at Cams Lane running track at 11am (registration from 9.30am)

• Tower FM roadshow with live bands and entertainment, Red Bank Field

• Giant car boot sale

• Vintage car rally