SUNDAY'S Atherton Carnival has been hailed the ‘best yet’.

More than 1,000 people took part in the parade through the streets and organisers say all the new entertainment ideas introduced this year proved to be big hits with revellers.

They included a mini colour run through powdered paint, a Punch and Judy show, music from the Manchester Phoenix Pipe Band and a 25-minute taster performance of New Garrett Theatre’s upcoming 9 to 5 production.

Atherton Carnival committee member Brian Seddon said: “The carnival is now in its eighth year and Sunday's was undoubtedly the best yet.

“It was absolutely fabulous and the feedback we have had from everyone has been fantastic.

“It takes a lot of work to organise and run the carnival. We only have a small team of volunteers but they work their socks off and the feedback received makes it all worthwhile.

“The carnival will definitely be returning next year.”

Brian was particularly pleased with the success of the new strings to the carnival’s bow.

He said: “The Punch and Judo show, the pipe band, the theatre performance and the colour run were all fantastic and added a lot to the carnival as a whole.

“We will be looking to expand on the colour run next year as the kids loved it.

“We also added a 'kids make noise' theme for the parade, but it wasn’t just the kids making a lot of noise.

“We gave out whistles and everyone was blowing them, including the large number of people lining the streets, who were singing, waving and really getting involved.

“There were also a lot of drums being played and the parade included a wide range of vehicles, including vintage Rolls-Royces, Harley-Davidsons, American cars and tractors.”

The post-parade entertainment at Meadowbank playing fields on Gloucester Street included a large funfair, pony rides, a climbing wall, 54 stalls, crafts, games, a tombola and face painting.

Music was provided by the Tyldesley Brass Band, Anvil Street Drummers and Manchester Poor Band, as well as DJ Kenny.

Brian added: “Everyone who is about Atherton gets involved in the carnival now.

“There were 54 promotional stalls showcasing businesses and volunteer and council groups.

“Various businesses donate prizes and other things to make to make the carnival possible and 40 volunteers take care of the stewarding.

“It is an event embraced by the town and one everyone should be proud of.”

Cllr Bill Clarke and his wife Joan, the mayor and mayoress of the Wigan borough, took part in the parade on an open-top bus.