MUSIC, dancing, art and fairground rides will fill Frodsham as the festival returns to town this weekend.

On Sunday, July 3 hundreds of families are expected to flock to Castle Park, Frodsham to enjoy face painting, games and live entertainment, for the 23rd annual celebration of the town.

Belly dancers, local drama groups, bands, artists and school choirs will take to the main stage to entertain packed crowds, while children enjoy fair ground rides and games at the fun fair.

The 23rd annual Festival in the Park will be officially opened at 12.30pm by the Mayor of Frodsham Cllr Andrew Dawson, before residents can browse around 40 stalls showcasing local arts and crafts, groups and organisations.

Organised by Castle Park Arts Centre, Frodsham Town Council, Cheshire West and Chester Council and the Rotary Club of Frodsham and Helsby, this year’s popular festival is hoped to attract more people to the town than ever.

Members of the Frodsham and Helsby Rotary Club, who will be helping to marshal the event, are hoping that glorious sunshine will help to draw people to the event-packed festival.

And on the Saturday (July 2) scarecrows will line the streets of neighbouring Alvanley as villagers enjoy a charity beer festival at the White Lion Pub.

At 2pm 1,000 colourful balloons will fill the sky across Alvanley as the festival, which showcases more than 20 real ales and beers, kick starts to raise money for the Stroke Association and the village pre-school, hall and church.

Frodsham Festival in the Park will run from 12.30pm- 4pm on Sunday July 3 at Castle Parks Arts Centre and Castle Parks, entrance is free.

Alvanley Fun Day and Beer Festival will start at 1pm on Saturday at the White Lion, Alvanley, tickets cost £5 for adults and children are free.

Rachel Flint