THE first indication that it was not a normal Saturday afternoon (June 2) in Radcliffe was the sight of men and women standing on street corners clutching dozens of brightly coloured balloons.

The second was the amount of people walking up Ainsworth Road and Water Street, all with an unusual sense of purpose.

Red Bank Playing Fields was their destination and the sound of the fairground rides beckoned them.

Yes, it was the 36th annual Radcliffe Carnival and families and friends flocked to the festivities.

Early birds arrived first thing to stake out their car boot sale pitch and to get the best bargains.

And pictured reigning supreme during her big day on parade is Radcliffe Carnival Queen Michelle Earl.

For those who were not interested in buying, there were thrills galore to be had on the white knuckle rides of Silcocks Fair, such as the thrilling Space Loop. It was easy to know when the parade of floats was about to start as those living on Pilkington Road and Lowe Street erected deck chairs on their front steps or took in the view from their bay windows.

Perhaps experience of past carnivals influenced Radcliffe Girls and Boys Club's choice of float.

Their theme was "The British Weather" with a snowman and black clouds giving way to a rainbow and then sunshine.

It seemed to have had a good effect because, for a change, there was no rain to spoil the carnival and, at times, the real sun shone.

Radcliffe District Scouts' float was entitled "Robin Hood: Scouts in Tights" and the 2nd Radcliffe Rainbows and Brownies adopted a "Nature Trail" look for their float. If there was a prize for topicality, then Radcliffe Round Table would have won it with their Raving Loony Party float.

The Radcliffe Moriscos Morris Dancing Troupe's lorry was a shimmering vision of black and gold and the trophies on display bore testament to the hard work that the young girls have put in at tournaments during the last year.

And the crowds got a demonstration of their fancy footwork later in the day when the Moriscos, along with troupes from across the region, performed on the carnival field. Following up at the rear of the parade were a number of classic collectors cars, including a Ford Zephyr and an Austin A35.

Their inclusion gave the spectators a taste of what was to come. A vintage car rally and display, held on Sunday (June 3), attracted more than 50 vehicles.

Carnival organiser Mr Ray Vevers, the man without whom the carnival would not take place, said he was "thrilled to bits" with how the weekend went, aside from an outbreak of crowd disorder.

He said: "It was one of the best carnivals of recent years and the rally was particularly successful, in fact we are going to make it a permanent feature."

He added: "It always helps things when the weather decides to behave itself!"

All the money raised, which is still being counted, will benefit local charities.

STREET PARADE AWARDS

Local Tableau (Non-Commercial): Bury Stroke Club; Industrial or Advertising: Dai Ichi Ryu Karate Club; Children's Tableau: Radcliffe Scouts; Carnival Queen Decorated Car: Stalybridge Festival Junior Queen Hayley Dee; Carnival Princess Decorated Car: Droylesden Personality Princess Natasha; Carnival Rosebud Decorated Car: MALCA Sarah's car; Carnival Queen Decorated Car and Trailer: Stalybridge Festival; Fancy Dress (adult): Paul Cooper.

ARENA PARADE AWARDS

Best Visiting Queen: Castleton Elizabeth; Best Visiting Junior Queen: Rochdale Regina; Best Visiting Princess: Royal British Legion Poppy Princess Chloe-Anne; Best Visiting Rosebud: Prestwich Petal elect Serena; Best Church Queen: St Thomas and St John.