SEE Winwick as you have never seen it before this Saturday – from a 90ft tall hot air balloon! The opportunity to take to the skies is just one of a host of activities during Winwick Carnival.

A team of experts will reveal how stunts are devised and choreographed in an all-action show – before putting together an intense chase and escape sequence featuring fights, high falls, pyrotechnics and replica firearms.

Winwick’s rose queen will also be there led by Latchford Silver Band, while youngsters from Oldham’s 1855 Royton Air Training Corps Squadron will wow crowds with an acrobatic wheelbarrow display.

Bryan Shaw, Winwick Carnival chairman, says he is hoping crowds of up to 4,000 people will attend the most ambitious carnival yet.

He said: “We are in stress-out panic mode now – that is what usually happens about a week before the event! “But everything is going well and we are expecting good weather.

“I’m looking forward to the hot air balloon, I think that could be a real crowd-puller.”

A race held by Lancashire Social Circle (members of the Royal Pigeon Racing Association) will see more than 80 birds released from the main arena.Jean and Mike Tyrell of the H+M Dog Display team will exhibit agility and retrieving skills, with a high jump and fire spectacular and defence dog display.

Revellers can rock to the sounds of the 60s through to the present day with the Funky Monks, or enjoy performances from the Blowjangles street band.

Under-nines teams will compete in a seven-a-side football tournament for the Ray Hall Memorial Cup and there will be more than 50 stalls with demonstrations, information and items for sale, plus crafts, food and refreshments.

The fair, on Myddleton Lane, starts at 11am.

Entrance is £1.50.

ndocking@guardiangrp.co.uk