Families, residents and visitors have a huge programme of entertainment to enjoy at Whittlesey Festival – back this year after three years away due to Covid-19.

The programme includes an opening parade, huge variety of live music and dance, a large classic vehicle show, craft fair, art exhibition, stalls, street food, games and fun.

Highlights of the Sunday September 10 event include the Black Eagles Tanzanian Acrobatic and Dance Group and the festival finale including Romford Drum and Trumpet Corps Marching Band and Peterborough Highland Pipe Band.

The festival opening parade assembles in Broad Street at 9.30am and sets off at 10am. The festival finale is at 3.30pm.

There will be musical performances and many rides free of charge in and around St Mary’s Church Yard, accessible by Station Road and Falcon Lane, throughout.

Costs of many rides and attractions have been subsidised with fundraising and sponsorship from local businesses and organisations to keep costs down for visitors.

READ MORE: Thousands pour into Whittlesey Festival 2019

Cllr Peter Murphy, Fenland District Council portfolio holder for markets and events, said: “Huge thanks and credit have got to go to the festival committee and fundraisers, who have worked tirelessly to bring Whittlesey Festival back, and to all the sponsors who have supported it.

“The 2023 festival promises to be a wonderful event for the town, as previous festivals always have been. It’ll be wonderful to see it back.

“It’s a great pride of Fenland District Council to be able to support and help enable the festival again this year.”

Whittlesey Mayor and district councillor Kay Mayor said: “The festival is going to be fantastic, and we can’t wait to see everybody there.”

“Without the commitment to the local community that is demonstrated by the Festival Committee in their hard work and dedication we would not be able to celebrate the Whittlesey community spirit with such a festival.

“The community has really supported this event which makes me very proud.

“I really appreciate the fundraising that has taken place to help subsidise the rides and attractions to enable the day to be fun filled for all without some of the financial worry in these difficult times.”

To download an event programme, which has been created by volunteer Andrew Lashley, see: www.fenland.gov.uk/whittleseyfestival

Town Centre roads are pedestrianised for the event. The council is advising visitors to walk or cycle where possible.

Free parking is available at Queen Street, Grosvenor Road/Eastgate and Woolpack Lane.

The bus station and train station are also within walking distance of the event.