THE countdown has started to one of the largest festivals in the North-west. Organisers have promised that this year's Adlington Carnival will be better than ever with three open-air arenas.

It takes place at the Jubilee playing fields and runs until Sunday, August 11.

The fun begins on Thursday August 8 at 6pm with the opening of the funfair.

The next day the hugely-popular carnival bingo takes place with eyes down at 7.30pm.

Jubilee Pop Idol will also take place on the Friday night and could even kick-start a musical career for the winner.

Prizes are on offer for those taking part in the parade on Saturday afternoon with all entrants needed in place by noon and the procession starting at 12.30pm, from Park Road.

It will then head along Church Street, Rawlinson Lane and Chorley Road before making its way back along Railway Road to the start.

On arriving back to the site of the carnival, the new queen will be crowned on the Jubilee fields. Carnival Queen-elect, Laura Molyneux is looking forward to a year full of duties and social occasions.

On Saturday, carnival-goers will also have the chance to meet Heartbeat celebrity, Tricia Penrose, who plays Gina in the show, when she makes an appearance at the event.

music fans will be thrilled by the All-Star Cabaret on Saturday evening at 8pm with a mix of comedy, music and dance. Tickets are still available for the event, in the main marquee, priced at £10, including a 50p voucher for your first drink. For more information contact Jane or Mike on 01257 481941.

The Rivington and Adlington Brass Band will be one of the main attractions throughout the weekend. And on Sunday, EastEnders fans will be flocking to meet Craig Fairbrass who played bad boy Dan Sullivan in the soap and who has also starred in Prime Suspect. Fans of Craig and Tricia will be able to have their programmes signed.

Ryan Giggs' five-a-side football finals will also be played on the last day of the event. The tournament has been played throughout the summer at different venues around the town. The trophies have been donated by the Manchester United star.

The gates to the Jubilee playing fields open at 11am on Saturday and 10am on Sunday. Entrance charges are £3 on Saturday and £2 on Sunday. Programmes for the event at £3 admit you on both days and also include £7.50 worth of fairground ride tickets.