Schools, businesses and community groups can still sign up to be part of the annual parade that launches the upcoming  Chatteris Midsummer Festival.

The parade this year has a 1920s theme, with groups taking part depicting related films, television series, books and plays, and a jazz band among the musical contributors.

There’ll be prizes for the best dressed groups and individuals.

Cllr Peter Murphy, Fenland District Council portfolio holder for markets and events, said: “Chatteris Festival is one of the highlights of the Fenland calendar.

“It brings the whole community together, thanks in large part, to a small band of volunteers.

“The programme looks incredible once again and we’d urge as many people as possible to get along and support it – even better if they become part of the parade, which is always full of colour, fun and music.”

Chatteris Festival takes place 10am to 10.30pm Saturday, June 24, at Furrowfields Recreation Ground, rounded off with an evening of music at the Party in the Park featuring Scooted and Booted and DJ Laura Dennis.

The festival continues from 10am to 4pm, Sunday, June 25.

There’s a huge variety of entertainment and attractions - and flypasts by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight both days – scheduled for 11.30am Saturday and 2.45pm Sunday.

Attractions across the weekend will include an inflatable zone, archery, miniature golf, classic motorbike display and the chance to join in with mini trampoline fitness.

The parade’s 1920s theme is inspired by the town museum’s Chatteris 20s project, which is focused on researching and recreating life in the town 100 years ago. Exhibitions and activities inspired by the project will be at the festival.

Saturday’s attractions include arena performances from Gorilla Circus, a mass Charleston, dance and musical acts, STEM science workshops, a 1920s photo booth and crafts activities with Marketplace Creative People and Places.

On Sunday, highlights will include a fun dog show, animal experience tent, colour fun run for all ages, strawberry cream teas and a tug-of-war competition.

The festival success is thanks to generous sponsorship, particularly from many local businesses and the efforts of volunteers with support from Chatteris Town Council and Fenland District Council.

Festival timings and details

The festival parade assembles in Church Lane, at 10.30am Saturday and heads off at 11am.

Trophies for best dressed will be presented in the main arena when the parade has arrived at Furrowfields Recreation Ground.

Entry to the festival on Saturday is £2 for adults and £1 for children. On Sunday it is £1 for all.

Entry to the festival on Saturday is free for all those taking part in the parade, but any parents or helpers accompanying the parade, who are not in costume, will be required to pay the £2 entry fee before the parade leaves.

There will be a rolling road closures during Saturday’s parade which will make its way Church Lane to Furrowfields via Market Hill and the High Street. Closures will be in place at points between 9am and 1pm. Access to Furrowfields car park will not be possible during the parade.

On Sunday, registration for the dog show is at 10am and the show begins 10.30am. Entry £1 per dog. Registration for the colour fun run is at 1.45pm and the tug of war is at 3.15pm.

Festival parking is available in free town centre Fenland District Council car parks in Furrowfields and Church Lane.

Motorists are urged not to park on the roadsides of Furrowfield Road and surrounding areas for the duration of the event.

Walking or cycling to the event is encouraged. No cycling is allowed in the event area.

The organising committee is always pleased to hear from people who would like to get involved. Would-be volunteers and sponsors can contact marketsandevents@fenland.gov.uk

To take part in this year’s parade email: chatteriscouncil@btconnect.com or call: 01354 695166 to register.