BURY Lions will be putting on their “Sunday Best” this weekend by once again staging the town’s premier annual event.

Thousands of spectators and visitors are expected to turn out to take part in this year’s Bury Lions Carnival on Sunday.

And holding the event on the Sabbath is a significant break with tradition.

Virtually every year since the carnival was launched in 1968, it’s been held on a Saturday – but the switch means fewer problems in relation to road closures and other requirements.

Although the day has changed, the attractions have not.

The twin highlights will be the ever-popular and colourful floats parade with vehicles set to reflect this year’s themes of the 2012 Olympics and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

The giant parade will leave from Market Street, near Bury College, at 1.30pm. The procession will travel along the following route: Angouleme Way, towards the Town Hall, on to Manchester Road/Silver Street.

The parade will proceed towards Market Place, past Bury Parish Church, then on to The Rock towards the Fire Station.

It will terminate at the junction of The Rock and John Street and foot parties will then go on to The Rock to St John’s Square.

The subsequent gala will take place over four sites: 1. Charity Area and main stage, St John’s Square, The Rock 2. Non-charity stalls, foods, cakes, etc, The Rock 3. Funfair and food, Parsons Lane car park (Wilkinson’s) 4. Bouncy castles and stalls, Market Place.

Bury Lions president Scott Richardson said: “At present, we have a combination of more than 40 vehicles, walking parties, dancers and bands for the parade. We also have in excess of 40 attractions on the gala site, plus the weekend funfair.

“We also decided that our parade would take on a later start time due to the fact it is a Sunday.

“I am getting really excited,. We have completely turned the carnival upside down and round and round in the way of new route, new venue, new times.

“But I can honestly say this year has been a struggle. My committee, Malc Evans and Jacqui Sorfleet, have worked tremendously hard with me to achieve what I hope is going to be the best I’ve done since taking over as carnival chairman.

“Also, I would really like to thank our sponsors, UKCostumes4U.com, The Rock, Mill Gate Shopping Centre, Bury Council, DTE & Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe.”

l Bury Lions will be in the Mill Gate on Saturday to promote the event and carnival programmes will be available.