THERE will be a buzz around town this spring when Frodsham launches its first Bee Festival, with a hive of events to celebrate the community’s heritage of bee-keeping.

The event also marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of the Rev William Charles Cotton, former vicar of Frodsham, who was noted for introducing honey bees to New Zealand in the 19th Century.

It starts on Friday, May 10, with a one-day conference at Forest Hills Hotel, with expert speakers examining likely causes and consequences of the declining bee population.

The festival is being organised by Frodsham Foundation, a social enterprise company which promotes and supports business and community innovation and enterprise.

Director Kate Dodgson said: “Frodsham has a rich heritage of bee-keeping and Cotton’s influence is evident throughout the town, with the bee emblem featured on the mayoral chain of office, newsletters, blue plaques marking historic buildings and a primary school uniform.

“Cheshire Beekeepers also meet every month at Frodsham Community Centre, and part of the conference will focus on what communities can do to support and promote bees and a range of other important pollinators.”

A weekend food and drink festival will also be held at Castle Park, celebrating the quality of diversity of local food and drink producers, with demonstrations and the chance for visitors to try and buy.

Castle Park will be buzzing on Saturday, May 11, from 10am to 5pm, and on Sunday, May 12, from 10am to 4pm, when entertainment will also include live music, a junior football tournament, BMX and skateboarding coaching and It’s a Knockout contest.

Community groups are supporting the event with a range of add-on activities, including a ‘bee dash’ starting from St Laurence’s Church, with participants dressed as bees raising money for church roof repairs.

Frodsham Town Council is also considering ‘twinning’ with a town in New Zealand, which is now a major exporter of honey.

The idea was suggested by council chairman Cllr Mark Warren, who lived in New Zealand prior to moving to Frodsham about 12 years ago.