Carnival switches dates to avoid World Cup clash

OLDHAM Carnival has been moved to August to avoid a World Cup clash.

England would face a second round knock-out match on June 26 or 27 if they make it through the group stages of the competition in South Africa.

But the last weekend in June has been the traditional date for the Alexandra Park extravaganza — dubbed the people’s carnival — for the last four years.

Organisers have now moved it to August and 7 and 8 when they hope that there will also be better weather, more children off school and improved conditions for the horticultural shows.

England have made it to the quarter-finals of the last two World Cups in Germany, where they were knocked out by Portugal, and South Korea/Japan where Brazil dashed their hopes.

The carnival’s event director Paul Davies said: “We’ve had the last weekend in June for the last four years but a few factors, not least that the weekend clashes with either World Cup or European Cup finals, prompted a change.”

This year’s carnival parade promises to be the most colourful for years with more floats taking part and groups are urged to register early.

Organisers are also hoping to get funding to run carnival costume design workshops for 12 to 16-year-olds.

Young designers can come up with a new logo for the event (closing date for entries April 30), while the live music stage is already being booked up by local performers.

For more information visit www.peoplescarnival.org.uk