Richard Baum

It’s started with a storm at Prestwich Clough and should end in glorious sunshine at Prestwich Carnival. After 35 days, 55 events, 1,000’s of visitors to events, money raised for charity Prestwich Festival puts its feet up and says goodbye for 2009 with a final 5 days of fun.

The last free archery session is today (Thursday 18 June) at The Phoenix Centre. During the festival over 100 11 to 8 years olds have already enjoyed these free sessions.

This evening also sees the Festival Music Night taking place between 7pm and 10pm. It promises to bring some classical sophistication to The Longfield Centre with a wonderful night of music with the Bury Music Service Band, Affetside Choir and to round off the evening in grand style, Besses o’ th’ Barn brass band.

Tomorrow, there will be a Friday Night Social - Shangri La at 8pm at, Carlton Club, Bury Old Road featuring live music. And finally a bumper weekend of family entertainment will take place at the Prestwich Carnival.

On Saturday 20 June a Football Tournament organized by FC United of Manchester will take place from 9am until 4pm at St. Mary’s Park.

As well as Butterstile Fun Day which takes place from 12.00 noon at Butterstile Primary School. The friends of Butterstile will be holding their traditional fun day. As part of the fun all the children from the school will have the chance to enter a series of competitions to celebrate Prestwich, the four categories are photographs, poems, paintings or portraits.

And finally on Sunday 21 June Prestwich Carnival Grand Parade kicks off at 1pm. The Parade arrives in the park at 2.30pm with six arenas showcasing local talent.

Prestwich Festival and Carnival Organiser, David Curtis, said: “This year’s carnival is going to be special. The publicity of Love Prestwich Festival has really got out there so there’s many more stalls and attractions this year. Love Prestwich Festival was all about showcasing the best of Prestwich Come with the family and enjoy this day - I have it on good authority that the Prestwich Carnival Sunshine Team will bring the sun with them this year!”

Carran O’Grady LAP Manager said “Feedback from Preswich residents and businesses has been great about the Love Prestwich Festival and people want the Festival to return in 2010. We will look at the highlights of this our first year soon and look at making it even better for next year. All organizers should be applauded for the hours of planning their individual events which made the 55 events amazing”.

Cllr Vic D’Albert, Chair of Prestwich LAP said “Love Prestwich Festival finishes the way it started - on a high. I’ve been to as many events as possible throughout the Festival and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed them all. The Clough Day was fantastic, The Farmers Market sold out, Prestwich has got Junior Talent was amazing to mention just a few. I’m already knocking on the door to get more Farmers Market in Prestwich and an annual Festival. As usual I’ll be at the Carnival volunteering with my bucket which raises money for local groups as many Festival events have and then like everyone else enjoying the best Carnival around.”