HUNDREDS packed out the streets of Radcliffe for a colourful celebration of the town across the weekend.

Families filled the streets for Radcliffe Carnival on Saturday and Sunday as more attractions brought in visitors for the 52nd annual event.

The sun may not have been shining as brightly as in previous years, but locals could not resist the attractions on offer.

They made their way to Red Bank playing fields, Unsworth Street, in their droves to enjoy the carnival spirit.

Organisers of this year’s celebration put on an array of entertainment throughout Radcliffe and Red Bank playing fields.

The parade marched through the town on Saturday and children enjoyed fairground rides, bands, charity stalls, morris dancers and a vintage car show on Sunday.

Radcliffe residents Nicola Eyles and Tracey Eyles turned out with Tracey’s children Lauren, aged 15, Kiera, aged 12 and Joe, aged 11, to enjoy the weekend.

Nicola, of Water Street, said: “I’ve been coming for the past two or three years now and think it’s a wonderful tradition in Radcliffe.

“Especially considering the recent events in Manchester, it’s great to see everyone coming out and enjoying themselves.

“The weather’s been good and stayed quite warm so I think that’s encouraged even more people to come down.

“I brought Tracey’s children last year but it’s her first time and we’re all planning to head down to the fair after the parade.

“It’s nice that the event runs across the whole weekend – it’s great for the community.”

Among those returning to the carnival were Chris Watson and his wife Stephanie with their four children, aged between three and 10.

Mrs Watson, who has been coming to the carnival since a child, said: “I remember when we used to make our own floats with Brownies and spent weeks preparing them.

“It’s a shame that it’s dwindled and I think they need a bigger push on advertisement to get all the groups in Radcliffe aware and involved.

“Our children all go to a karate class in Radcliffe and their group didn’t know anything about the carnival.

“I think if they had known they would have been able to organised a float or a display and get involved.

“I know my children would have loved to do something like that.”

Mr Chris added: “We’ve generally always brought our children to watch and they really enjoy it.

“They love the fun fair and it’s good to see so many people out.”

Carnival chairman, Andrew Clarkson, said praised the town’s residents for coming out in force to show their support in what has been a testing time for everyone.

“Everything went according to plan and we have so far had lots of positive feedback from people.

“I think that recent events made more people come out and show their community spirit which really did help.

“We tried to make sure that proceedings were done in an upbeat way whilst still remaining respectful.”

At 2pm on Saturday, 22 balloons were released in memory of the people who lost their lives in the Manchester attacks along with others for those who were injured.

Mr Clarkson said: “It is important to remember those injured as well as the people who were killed.

“Some of these people have got a long journey ahead of them along with their families.”

Mr Clarkson praised the volunteers and everybody else who once again made the carnival a success.

“I would really like to thank all those people who stepped forward to volunteer because without them the event just would not be possible.

“We are also very grateful to police and Bury Council who were very co-operative this year.

“This year’s carnival was a spectacular event and it gives us the motivation to keep it going next year.”