THIS year’s Salt Fair has moved from the marina to Winsford Cross Shopping Centre.

A five day feast of action-packed family fun and entertainment runs until Sunday, September 16.

The annual event celebrates the town’s rich salt heritage and commemorates the historic charter from King Edward I in 1280 which granted a weekly market and annual fair.

Town mayor Cllr Gina Lewis said: “This is a very important event in our calendar. It celebrates the heritage of the town.

“The change of venue this year means we’re not going to be dominated by the weather.

“It also gives people an opportunity to think about what they would liketo see in the shopping centre after it was purchased by Cheshire West and Chester Council.”

Mikron Theatre Company’s show on Friday has already sold out.

“This is a wonderful company that is very talented and amusing,” said Cllr Lewis, who is organising two health associated raffle prizes.

Tickets are still available for Saturday’s performance of Get Well Soon, a show based on the 70th anniversary of the NHS.

Town mayor Cllr Gina Lewis and civic guests will assemble for the reading of the royal charter at 4.30pm on Wednesday, September 12.

Junior mayor Mya Barlow, a 10-year-old pupil at Over St John’s CE Primary School, will then the civic opening at 6pm when the salt queen Brogan Bowyeris, 15, from Over, will be crowned.

Cllr Lewis opens the fair at 6pm on Friday at a funfair, where Tim Hassan, vicar of Christ Church, will conduct an open air service on the dodgems at 11am on Sunday.

An event marquee which will include the theatre, entertainment, salt history and artefacts will be open on September 15 and 16.

A local producers’ market will run from 10am to 4pm from Thursday to Sunday.

Professor Jon’s Flea Circus, recreating the fun of the Edwardian flea circus, and Dr Diablo’s sideshow will keep children entertained.

A dance troupe competition is on Sunday from 9am to 6pm, at Winsford Lifestyle Centre.

Visit winsfordsaltfair.com for more details.