A POPULAR annual festival is taking place this weekend.

Cricklade Festival, celebrating the town and Father’s Day, will take place this Sunday, June 17, from 11am to 4pm.

Attracting thousands from across North Wiltshire and beyond to the festival, it will stay true to its roots providing free entertainment for the community and helping promote the town.

Britain’s Got Talent finalist Damon Scott, will be performing ventriloquism on the main stage.

Damon was part of the first ever Britain’s Got Talent series back in 2007, when he entered with monkey puppet Bubbles.

Explosive break dancing from Exception-Elle, music from the Pantasy Steel Band and nearby jazz greats Fretless & Friends, drumming demonstrations from the Alternative Drum School and much more will also feature on the main stage throughout the day.

Cricklade’s ever-popular entertainer and guitarist Tony M will once again be the compère.

The day will start at 11am with a parade led by The Cricklade Band.

Acts coordinator Karen Hodge is thrilled with this year’s line up.

“We have a really interesting and unique group of entertainers this year, bringing some fun and variety to the event which we think will appeal to everyone,” Karen said.

As in previous years, entertainment can be found on St Sampson’s Primary School field.

Expanded this year, visitors can look forward to birds of prey, donkey rides, medieval longbows, fairground attractions, go-karts and inflatables and more.

Food and drink will be on offer thanks to community groups and organisations.

Taking over the music marquee will be the team behind The Old Stables at The White Hart Hotel.

Committee treasurer Louise Stevens added: “Festival organisers work hard throughout the year to get the right funding support from local businesses, individuals, groups and councils to ensure this stays a free, popular and varied day out. We are very grateful to them for their generosity.” More details can be found at crickladefestival.com.