ORGANISERS of Radcliffe Carnival hope the force will be with them this weekend — as the 51st annual event takes on a film theme.

Inspired by Radcliffe's own Oscar winning film director Danny Boyle, there will be a taste of Hollywood during this year's carnival held on Saturday and Sunday.

Star Wars fans will be well catered for, with the Rotary Club of Radcliffe set to present a float in the style of a TIE fighter from the blockbuster film, as well as members dressed up as characters including Princess Leia, Chewbacca, Yoda and Darth Vader.

Everyone who lives and works in Radcliffe is being invited to join in with the parade, and take part in the theme of the big screen.

The parade starts at Red Bank Playing Fields at 2pm, before moving onto Lowe Street and being expected to arrive back at the starting point by 3.30pm.

Other attractions at the carnival on Saturday include a performance by the Radcliffe Brass Band, a vintage car rally, majorette troupes, the colourful Bloco Mundo Samba Band, stalls selling a range of produce and a funfair.

The vintage car rally and funfair will continue on Sunday, with a car boot sale also being held.

Andrew Clarkson, chairman of the carnival, said: "Everything is going to plan at the moment. The weather is supposed to be good for the weekend, so we just hope that it continues to stay dry so as many people will come as possible.

"We decided to have a film theme because of the town's associations with Danny Boyle. Hopefully he might turn up, you never know! We are still inviting people to come and be part of the parade, and you can join at any time until noon on Saturday.

"This is the town's parade, and we need as many people to get involved and help as possible to keep it going this year and in future years.

"We would be very grateful to anyone who can give up their time to help or come down and enjoy it."

For full details visit radcliffecarnival.co.uk