Sun and success for Prestwich Carnival

8:59am Monday 23rd June 2008

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THOUSANDS of revellers sampled the thrills and spills of Prestwich Carnival — with young people proving to be the stars of the show.

As families enjoyed some fun in the sun, organisers expressed their delight that so many children not only turned out to watch, but joined in and showed off their skills.

Their action-packed efforts began a day before the main carnival with dozens of sports-mad youngsters taking part in an afternoon of football in St Mary’s Park.

Then, amidst bright sunshine on Sunday, hundreds of children joined the annual carnival parade, which was started from Rectory Lane by proud carnival queen Alyssia McAvinue, aged 16.

Following her were scores of brass bands, dancers, majorettes, charity supporters and sports and activities teams — all with young people in their numbers.

After the parade, the crowds descended on the park and children were only too happy to learn some new tricks from the talented Skylight Circus acrobats.

Others meanwhile, joined in with a penalty shoot out game and, for the first time in the carnival’s 85-year history, teenagers were able to show off their talents in a specially constructed skateboard park, which also included a space for BMX bikers.

The facility was arranged by teenagers based at the St Mary’s Park Phoenix Centre, who are campaigning for a permanent skate park somewhere in Prestwich.

Youth worker Kerry Freeman said: “It’s fantastic to see so many people in the park getting active and being able to get points from older skaters and cyclists. It has been well worthwhile.”

Carnival organiser David Curtis said: “We try to have more activities for young people each year and once again this year we have done well. You only have to look around you to see all the smiling young faces to know they are having fun.”

David is the chairman of the Sunshine Team volunteer group, which works all year round to make the carnival possible.

He added: “For us, seeing so many people out in the park is the pinnacle. With all the arranging we do, all the meetings we have and the contacts we make, it all comes together and it gives you so much pride.

“We collect money on the day and throughout the year to make a success of the event and then we have our presentation night in October, when local groups benefit.”

For more pictures click here