Thousands of people are expected to attend the 15th March Summer Festival, which kicks off on Friday.

The event, which has become one of the highlights of the town’s calendar, takes place in West End Park from June 6-8.

Headlining on the Saturday night will be Benwick-based Elvis tribute singer Gary Jay, who will be supported by one of the best Elvis backing bands in the UK.

Friday evening will see a showcase of younger bands, co-ordinated by Chris Revett of CamBlast Promotions.

March Lions Gala takes place on Saturday and will be officially opened by Councillor Kit Owen, the new Mayor of March, Yvonne Eatock of March Lions, and Patsy Brewin of the March Summer Festival Committee.

There will be two parades, the popular carnival parade and a ­classic vehicle parade featuring numerous historic cars and motorcycles.

As well as music and dancing, Picnic in the Park will include storytelling with Peter Optical, circus skills workshops with clown Adrian Ley and the colouring competition organised by Penny Hicks.

On Sunday night, the festival will get a fitting finale when the Alan Norris Big Band takes to the stage.

Free souvenir programmes for the festival are available from the town hall, library, George Campbell Leisure Centre and many town centre shops.

Programme of Events

MC for the weekend is John Whitehead.

Friday

Rock in the Park

6.30pm Damaged.

7.05pm There are Ghosts.

7.45pm Death Radio.

8.25pm Vendetta.

9.10pm Dirty Kirst.

Guest appearances between sets by Rob Paling.

Saturday

March Lions Gala

From 8pm Lions Gala charity stalls and traders set up.

noon Classic Vehicle Parade leaves City Road Car Park.

12.30pm March Carnival Parade leaves City Road Car Park

1.45pm Grand Opening of Gala and presentations of trophies for parade.

2pm Fancy Dress Competition.

2.15pm. Lisa Dickinson’s Dance Mania.

2.50pm Tom Harlock and Aimee Peart-Webb.

3.15pm Sarah’s Street Style Dance.

4pm Misty Jones.

Pop in the Park

4.40pm Radiowave

5.30pm Wild Honey

6.45pm Soul Weaver

8.15pm Gary Jay as Elvis with The Wonder of Elvis Band.

Sunday

Picnic in the Park

12.30pm Fenland Youth Swing Band

2.20pm The Rob James Band

3.50pm Presentation of Colouring Competition prices

4.05pm MADAOS

4.55pm The Rusty Relics.

6.30pm Interval while concert is set up.

Children’s Area (near the bandstand)

1pm-3.30pm Colouring Competition and Face Painting

1pm Adrian Ley - circus skills workshop

1.30pm Peter Optical - Storytelling

Festival Finale

7.30pm Alan Norris Big Band