A FUN-PACKED Middlewich Folk and Boat Festival promises to be the best ever with lots of new attractions.
This 29th annual event, expecting thousands of visitors, will have something to suit everyone.
Professor Panic's Family Circus and a wines and spirits bar are making their debut.
A novel busking bus by St Luke's Hospice will give musicians the chance to showcase their talent.
Middlewich Town Council events Manager Dave Thompson said: “We promised to build on last year and make the 2019 festival our best so far and that's exactly what we've done.
Thousands of visitors are expected to flock to the town for the Middlewich Folk and Boat Festival Picture:Bare Bones Marketing
"As well as the usual favourites we also have a host of new attractions plus artists this year from Africa, Canada, India, Sweden, and Wigan!
"We're counting down the days now until the festival kicks off and we can showcase our fabulous town and its waterways to the many thousands of visitors."
The FAB festival from June 13-16 will see the return of The Kinderton as one of eight fringe venues playing host to a wide variety of entertainment as well as the usual beer festival celebration, funfair, and floating market.
Chart topping Dancing in the Moonlight band Toploader and 70s pop legends Showaddywaddy will be performing on the main stage.
Chart topping Dancing in the Moonlight band Toploader will be performing on the main stage
Acclaimed singer-songwriter Emma Stevens, electro swing band Electric Swing Circus and Macclesfield-based rock duo The Virginmarys are also set to wow the crowds.
Professor Panic's Family Circus will be bringing their big top to the market field on June 15 and 16 from 10am each day.
The annual funfair will be open on Civic Way car park for the weekend.
Games, crafts, stalls, ice cream and glitter face painting by Wish Upon A Sparkle, as well as the Greenhayes Farm Roadshow will provide plenty of family entertainment.
A fun-packed programme will provide plenty of family entertainment and something to suit everyone Picture:Bare Bones Marketing
Visitors will be spoilt for choice for refreshments with the return of the Food Court boasting a huge variety of culinary delights including Mexican street food, doughnuts, halloumi fries, hog roast, pizzas, Spanish churros, sandwiches and toasties.
A beer festival on market field will celebrate the real ales of Cheshire with award-winning Merlin Brewery and the new wines and spirits bar beside the Old Mule Bar.
Cocktail, gin and prosecco bars will also be dotted around.
The revamped Kinderton returns with live music and entertainment while the FAB Ceilidh with Aardvark will take place at the Town Hall function suite on June 15 at 8pm.
The Busking Bus will be at Town Wharf on June 15 and 16 from 12noon, where entertainers and musicians are welcome to perform. People can also make donations to the hospice during the festival.
The FAB parade starts at 11am on Saturday led by the Rajasthan Brass Band, street artists and morris dancers.
The festival Praise Sunday service begins at 11am on market field, led by Middlewich Churches Together.
The floating market will be open every day throughout the festival from 10am
The floating market between will open every day throughout the festival at 10am between Town Bridge and Big Lock.
A boat rally will see a colourful flotilla of narrowboats descend on Middlewich.
There will be boat trips from Town Wharf on Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon with the Canals and Rivers Trust and Canalside crafts and stalls on Salinae and Town Wharf sites.
A special £10 discount ticket for Middlewich residents are available from the Town Council office until they are sold out.
Official FAB fringe venues this year are The Big Lock, Boars Head Hotel, Cheshire Cheese, The Kinderton, The Kings Lock, The Narrowboat, Newton Brewery Inn and The White Bear.
For more information on the festival programme and how to apply for residents’ discounted tickets visit fabfestival.co.uk
Anyone interested in performing on the Busking Bus should call St Luke's Hospice community office on 01606 555811.
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