BIRCHWOOD Carnival’s 30th anniversary will be marked with a parade around the Forest Park at 12.30pm on Sunday.

The parade will be led this by the Karamba Samba Band followed by the fancy dress competition judging and prize-giving shortly before the official opening at 12.45pm.

Family entertainment in the arena will include shows by the Shadow Quest Dog Display Team, Vale Royal Falconry, The Wire Gymnasts, Inspire School of Dance and music from singer Tara Westwood.

There will also be a fun dog show running throughout the afternoon and a large fairground.

Other attractions include Home Safari animals, magic shows, circus skills workshops, donkey rides, craft workshops, local history displays, a nature in focus microscope, drum workshops, a chainsaw sculptor and around 25 charity stalls.

The event runs until 5pm.

Ranger David Hazlehurst said: “There's a lot going on at this year's carnival so, as long as we have the weather on our side, it should be a really good day.”