STARS and stripes will shine out beside Union Flags at Stow Cotswold Festival on July 4 – American Independence Day.

Popcorn, candy floss, hot dogs, hamburgers and Stetsons will add a ‘yee-ha’ to the celebration of all things Stow and Cotswolds at this biennial family extravaganza.

A pioneering community quilt will be just one fun activity on offer.

Festival visitors and locals can contribute their stitching skills in a mass ‘Sewing Bee’ at St Edward’s Hall.

The finished 4ftx4ft patchwork will then wing its way across the Atlantic to Appomattox, USA, to build on the two towns’ unique friendship link.

Stow was the scene of the last major skirmish in the English Civil War, in 1646. And the Battle of Appomattox Court House, near Virginia, Massachusetts, was one of the American Civil War’s final battles in 1865.

“Our American friends celebrate their 150th anniversary this year. We look forward to seeing their greetings to Stow against the backdrop of a Civil War re-enactment, screened at the Festival and enjoyed with US-themed refreshments. We want to encourage everyone to join in making the quilt on the day,” said Stow and District Civic Society chairman and festival committee member Nigel Surman.

“The aim of the Festival is to introduce Stow to new visitors, to offer a family fun day for visitors and locals alike and to contribute to local charities. We expect our Festival to be lots of fun, with something for everyone,” said Maggie Deacon, Stow Cotswold Festival chairman.

The event is supporting three main charities: Stow Springboard Children’s Centre; Stow Disability Association and Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, Cheltenham.