KIDS and grown-ups are in for a treat as the annual Stratton Festival returns for a fourth year to raise funds for local children’s cancer and leukaemia charity CALM.

The festival will take place on Saturday July 16 from midday to 10.30pm and until 5.00pm on Sunday 17 at Grange Leisure’s picturesque grounds at Stratton St Margaret.

Last year the parish council raised more than £2,000 for Prospect Hospice and they hope to beat that amount this time round.

With such popular activities as a dog show, a good old fashioned tug of war and bubble football it is certainly not to be missed.

Councillor Joe Tray, chairman of the Stratton St Margaret Parish Council, said: “Fundraising is a core objective of the annual Stratton Festival. This will be the fourth year where the Parish council has organised this free event that brings the community together.

“In the process we raise funds for charitable organisations and this year I am honoured to have chosen CALM.

“Many of us in the local area will understand the amazing work they do for families who are affected by cancer and leukaemia.”

On offer for visitors will be a beer and cider fair, live music, face painting, a fun fair, a vintage tea tent and much more yet to be announced.

On Sunday there will be a variety of musical performances and talent shows from Swindon Young Musicians and other local groups.

Richard Crowley, chairman of CALM, said: “CALM is delighted to have been chosen as the official charity of the Stratton Festival. As a local Swindon charity we rely on the support of local people to ensure we can support children undergoing cancer treatment in the town.”

The Parish Council has stressed that it would not be able to stage this year’s festival without the generous support of their sponsors and partnerships with local businesses.

This year’s headline sponsor is C3 Marketing, who are based in the parish and have a long standing partnership with the Council.

Sharon Hicks, Director at C3 Marketing said: “We were delighted to take up the Headline Sponsor position this year as a part of our commitment to Stratton St Margaret Parish Council, and also to the community where we work.

“Our desire is always to put our customers first. With our talented team of designers, and our unique, in house manufacturing facility, we take pride in making businesses and organisations look good, whether that’s with the use of banners, posters, signage, or anything else where a brand will appear.

“We wish Stratton Festival every success this year and look forward to being a part of this fantastic event.

The beer and cider fair is sponsored by Heineken who will run a competition to ‘name the ale’ in which winners will receive a huge hamper of Heineken goodies.

The parish council has also appealed for more sponsors and volunteers to get involved to make it a weekend to remember.

For more information visit the council’s website at www.strattonstmargaret.gov.uk.