FAMILIES can look forward to a feast of fun this weekend, as the Birchwood Carnival returns.

The popular annual event at Birchwood Forest Park takes place on Sunday, with a range of entertainment and activities on offer.

A colourful, circus-themed fancy dress parade marks the start of the afternoon's activities at 12.30pm, led by Karamba Samba Band.

Next is the fancy dress judging and prize-giving, followed by the official opening at 1pm.

As well as Karamba Samba, the afternoon's arena acts include The Van Buren Show, Eagle Heights Eagle and Vulture Show, and acts such as Northern Starr Dance.

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

Other attractions this year include a Ranger Rob’s Animal Experience, a rodeo bull, climbing wall, gladiator joust, magic shows, donkey rides, charity and craft stalls, drum workshops, local history displays, and a wide range of food outlets.

And there will be the chance to join a range of workshops, including drumming, craft and circus skills.

There will be changes to car parking arrangements for this year’s festival.

Contractors working on Birchwood Way have occupied much of the Forest Park car park, and parking on the site will be restricted to blue badge holders only.

The council has organised a large parking area on Birchwood Business Park - and all parking will be fully signposted from the main routes.

Find out more at

birchwoodcarnival.uk

.