We’ve had the Olympics; now it’s the big one...

OLDHAM’s People’s Carnival promises a weekend of mostly free family fun.

The colourful party starts in the town centre on Saturday with free entertainment, donkey rides and face painting from 11.30am-4pm.

And on Sunday the fun moves to Alexandra Park which will be bursting with free attractions from 11am -6.45pm.

The carnival was originally due in June, when the Olympic Torch passed through Oldham. But heavy rain forced its postponement.

Event director Paul Davies said “Its a great weekend for Oldham! This year’s been a record year in many ways: a record numbers of stalls, record entries into the UK Dance Troupe Championship and record numbers of applications to perform on our stages.

“By all accounts there should be record numbers of people attending as well, but we can’t control the weather so let’s pray for a reasonable weekend. If everyone brings a smile to the event, it’ll add up to sunshine.”

Local performers will rock the park main stage while the Lion’s Den stage will include everything from belly dancers to Zumba.

More than 30 teams will compete in the UK Dance Troupe Championships on the main field.

The popular parade — which moved into the park last year — also promises to be a showstopper. It starts at 2pm and will be led by dancers from the Filipino Association.

As well as all the free entertainment, there is a funfair, food, bouncy castles and world food galore around the park.

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