PRESTWICH Carnival organisers are optimistic that the annual celebrations will go ahead in some capacity later this summer.

The provisional rearranged dates of August 21-22 - announced last week - will give organisers ample time to implement the measures needed to allow a safe celebration.

Prestwich Carnival committee chairman Steve Roberts, said: “We are planning to put on a carnival of some description.

“Hopefully we will be able to put on the parade as normal as possible but we will just have to wait and see.”

For the people of Prestwich and surrounding areas, Prestwich Carnival has been a key celebration in the summer calendar spanning back more than 90 years.

Once a year St Mary’s Park plays host to a great family day out including a fun fair, variety of stalls and live music.

And in normal times, the Herwald Grand Parade passes through the streets of Prestwich.

Mr Roberts added:”We’ve got to hang on and see what restrictions are in place at the time.

“It’s a bit of a waiting game at the moment.”

It is believed that 2021 will be Prestwich Carnival’s 94th Grand Parade, although the carnival has its roots in various traditions that stretch back longer than that.

With temperatures reaching as high as 20 degrees celsius in August in Bury, locals will hopefully be able to enjoy some fun in the sun.

As of Valentine’s Day, 15 million people in England had received their first dose of the Covid vaccine.

With case numbers decreasing and vaccinations ramping up, it is looking more and more likely that we could see a loosening of restrictions by summer.

Mr Roberts added: “Parks should be open and people will be able to have picnics.

“Hopefully, if nothing else, we can all go and enjoy a beer outside.”