Get set for party time!

FINAL preparations are being made for the People’s Carnival and RootZ Festival.

The reborn event, now in its seventh year, is at Alexandra Park on Sunday and promises an action-packed day.

Event director Paul Davies says this year’s carnival promises to be the best in its history.

“We have introduced a new RootZ festival bringing great music and performances. We have been more selective about performers, and there will be an improved quality of bands.”

He added: “There are nearly 40 entries in the parade, and we have made some big changes and switched everything around in the park. We just need the weather now, so it’s fingers crossed.”

The costume and dance parade starts at 2.15pm, led by Latics mascot Chaddy the Owl and Metrolink’s “MetMan”, alongside several carnival queens.

The RootZ Festival’s headline bands include New Orleans-style blues band Tipitina, reggae and dance hall from Extra Love, and a solo performance from former Coronation Street actor Ben Thomson.

The RootZ stage runs from 11am-8pm.

The landmark Lion’s Den stage will also be in full swing throughout the day, hosting 15 local dance, song and theatre acts.

AS in pevious years, Oldham again plays host to the UK Dance Troupe Championship, with performances from 9am-6pm.