BIRCHWOOD Carnival organisers are ringing the bells of change at this year's event but say residents can still expect a fun day out for all the family.

The carnival has historically been held on a Saturday but it has been moved to Sunday, June 11, to avoid a clash with England's World Cup match against Paraguay, which will take place the day before.

Another break from tradition is that there will not be a float procession.

After too few people signed up for the parade, it will now become a walking procession through Birchwood Forest Park.

That will start from the Ordnance Avenue entrance at 12.30pm and will cover nearly 1km.

Other events will include a performance by acrobat group and Dr Southall's Medicine Show. Signing star Katie Halliday, who has toured with Atomic Kitten and sung with Ronan Keating, will also be performing.

One new addition this year is a mobile climbing wall alongside some of the old favourites such as the fairground, Punch and Judy and a show from Warrington Pipe Band.

There will also be a number of charity stalls at the event.

Organiser, ranger Gaynor Kerry, said: "There will still be lots for everyone to do during the day and we hope that everyone who comes along will enjoy it."

One thing that won't be changing from last year though is the Birchwood Carnival Queen. After Anne Sperrin, long-standing organiser of the queen's competition, retired, no-one stepped forward to fill her shoes - meaning that the girls picked for last year's event will get a second term in office.

If anyone is interested in becoming the organiser of the queen's competition, you can contact Gaynor Kerry on 824239.