THOUSANDS of visitors across Wiltshire will flock to this year’s Cricklade Festival to enjoy entertainment from high-profile musicians and performers.

Staying true to its roots by laying on the day of fun for free, Sunday’s event will once again be led out by a parade from The Cricklade Band as marchers wow the crowd with their animal costumes.

The festival will feature a range of acts including ventriloquism from Britain’s Got Talent finalist Damon Scott, catchy Caribbean beats from The Pantasy Steel Band, explosive break-dancing from Exception-Elle, and music from well-known local jazz act Fretless and Friends.

Cricklade entertainer and musician Tony Meacock will return to compère the event and guests will have the chance to join in with drumming demonstrations from the Alternative Drum School.

Nigel Wynne, committee chairman of the festival, said: “It’s been going in its current form for 12 years and goes from strength to strength. It’s very much family-oriented with a view to getting the family out in the sunshine. It’s always sunny for the Cricklade festival.

“It gets busier every year and it’s extremely popular. We’ve got to the stage where we’ve got a bit of a reputation so acts come to us.

“I’m particularly looking forward to comedy act Two Left Feet as I’m a bit of a budding amateur ball-room dancer myself and it’ll be nice to see someone who’s worse than me. They describe themselves as a pair of neurotic suburban glitter queens."

Crowds will shuttle up and down Cricklade High street which is to be bookended by the main stage on one side and a street performance stage on the other. As part of the Cricklade Fire Station’s 160th anniversary celebrations, children will have the chance to inspect vintage fire trucks and watch demonstrations by the service.

Meanwhile on the field of St Sampson’s Primary School there will be a range of extra activities on the go such as donkey riding, birds of prey demonstrations, fairground rides, go karting and live music. Guests can also get a bite to eat if they’re feeling peckish.

Acts coordinator Karen Hodge said: “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.”

Committee treasurer Louise Stevens said: “The 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.”

The festival will run from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm on June 17. To find out more about the schedule, visit: www.crickladefestival.com