A SHOWSTOPPING Failsworth Carnival has secured the historic event for yet another year after bumper crowds made it a huge success.

Last year the historic event - which is in its 56th year - was on the brink of collapse after takings were severely hit.

But treasurer Enid Bell - one of a staunch band of volunteers who keep the event going - said a combination of glorious weather and fantastic support boosted takings to around £5,000 over the weekend.

A colourful parade packed with young and old from around Failsworth - including South Failsworth Primary School, Hope Methodist Church Brownies and Guides, 248 Scouts, St John's Church, Zumba Ladies and Failsworth Choir - wove its way around the town.

Back on the field there was a funfair, stalls, a Northwest Blood Bikes display to demonstrate the vital volunteer work they do to transport emergency blood and baby milk around the country, and the crowning of the carnival royalty.

Karl Dean, managing director of main sponsor MioCare did the honours presenting Lillie Summersgill with her queen title, Holly MacIntyre as junior queen and Bethany Eaton as princess.

On Sunday local theatre, dance schools and singers enthralled the crowds as they performed on stage, bringing the curtain down to rapturous applause.

Enid said: "It was an absolutely brilliant weekend. A combination of sunshine and huge crowds made it a huge success and we can now confirm there will be a 2019 carnival which will be announced in September.

"Last year it was looking unlikely we'd be able to hold one this time as it costs £7,000 to stage the event. But thanks to a very small band of hard-working volunteers we managed to raise the extra money required.

"There are only eight of us on the committee and two of us when it comes to the preparation beforehand.

"We'd love to hear from anyone who'd like to join us. We'd like to bring new faces on to the committee with new ideas and we're looking to do something different on the Sunday next year."

The committee are waiting to hear whether they'll hit the jackpot in Tesco's Bags of Help campaign in which three organisations go head to head for the public's support in store.

The top grant is £4,000 with the runners-up walking away with £2,000 or £1,000.

The vote is taking place in Oldham stores until the end of July.

If you'd like to help you can email fcctreasurer@btinternet.com.

For more information go to http://www.failsworthcarnival.btck.co.uk/ or the Failsworth Carnival Facebook page for more pictures.