ANY doubts that Radcliffe Carnival would die out now we are in the 21st century were firmly quashed on Saturday (June 3).

Not even rain could deter townsfolk from turning out for the 35th carnival and, though the numbers were not huge, there was an air of optimism and enjoyment that has been missing in recent years.

"It's a traditional occasion and something that promotes a sense of community, which is quite a rarity these days," said Mrs Cathy Booth (34) of Gatefield Close.

Mrs Ann Spencer (36) of Park Grove agreed. She said: "There's a very good atmosphere this year and there seems to have been more involvement and effort put into it." Particularly encouraging was the reaction of young people whose support the carnival will depend on in future years.

"It's fun, and I don't just mean the fair," said Samantha Bell (12) of Westminster Avenue. "I like watching the parade go past and the way it raises money for charity."

For her friend, Kirsty Greenhalgh (12) of Turks Road, it was the dancing and majorette displays that keep her coming.

The mouthwatering smell of candy floss and doughnuts wafted on the breeze, and the crowds followed their noses to the fair where the people of Radcliffe braved such hair-raising rides as the Demon Chase, Super Meteorite and Twister.

Pictured joining in the fun by dressing up as a clown for the occasion is Cameron Linihan (8) of Radcliffe.

And there were also plenty of gentler rides, not to mention all the traditional stalls and games where it was a toss-up between Tigger and a Dalmatian as the most popular prize.

The car boot sale, as ever, attracted eagle-eyed bargain hunters and the Dutch street organ dating from 1850 added a traditional note to proceedings.

The parade of carnival floats, led by the Mayor and Mayoress of Bury, Coun Bill Johnson and his wife, Joyce, wound its way around the town and it was good to see so many people lining the route this year.

But carnival chairman Mr Ray Vevers said that he was rather disappointed with the number of organisations that actually took part.

"There were no local companies in the procession this year and, although there were 42 floats in all, all but five were dancers, queens and other royalty from outside the area." Mr Vevers had, as always, planned the big day for months and was down at Red Bank Field at 6.30am, but not even his precision planning could alter the weather!

The rain meant that parts of the field became a quagmire and the Queens Arena and Queens Parade had to be held in the nearby Radcliffe County Junior School.

The money raised from donations and street collections on the day is still being counted but once again local charities stand to benefit.