VISITORS to Penketh Carnival will be transported around the world this weekend.

The popular free celebration takes place on Saturday with groups from across the area joining forces.

It will start with a parade from Penketh High School from 11.30am before ending at Greystone Rec at 12pm where Mayor Cllr Wendy Johnson will officially declare the carnival open.

There will then be 70 stalls for visitors to browse as well as an afternoon packed with entertainment.

The day will be dedicated to Allin Dirir, who died last year and was behind the desire to restore the carnival more than a decade ago.

Now it attracts thousands of visitors each year and is a highlight in the Penketh calendar.

The World Friends theme for the day is in honour of the former councillor's belief in love for your neighbour. It will see each school and group chose a country to celebrate in the parade.

His daughter Leila, who is involved in organising the event, said it would have made him proud.

"The World Friends theme would have meant the world to him," she said.

"He would have loved this world theme.

"He always wanted to work with anyone in Penketh, from whatever background or political persuasion, to make Penketh a better place."

He was also determined to keep the carnival free – and that continues this year.

Visitors can enjoy live music from the likes of a George Formby tribute band and the Lotharios.

While there will be donkeys, prizes and competitions to be won, rides and a variety of food including wood-fired pizzas and a bus serving drinks throughout the afternoon.

Everyone is welcome.

The parade route takes in Heath Road, Jubilee Avenue and Honiton Way and organisers are encouraging people to line the route to give backing to the children involved.