Chatteris Midsummer Festival returns to Furrowfield Recreation Ground this weekend.

Organisers are hoping that this year’s weekend-long event, which has a colourful Mardi Gras theme, will be “bigger and better than ever”.

Jointly organised by Fenland District Council, Chatteris Town Council and volunteers from the Chatteris Community, the festival will run across both Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28.

On Saturday, there will be a special It’s A Knockout competition, before local singers and bands provide the entertainment throughout the evening’s Party In The Park.

Entry costs just £1 a day and on Saturday, the fee also includes entry to the Party in the Park, which has this year been organised by singer Christian Smith, of Fairway, Chatteris, who will be performing his own original songs on the night.

The 22-year-old, who regularly performs at various Cambridgeshire venues, said that the event will host a good number of local musicians.

“We have singers from Chatteris and the surrounding areas, bands from Whittlesey and Peterborough. I’ve been organising the whole thing with the help of David Bailey.”

He added: “I think it’s good for the area because it brings everyone together with a lot of worthwhile entertainment. And it’s a general good day and night out for everyone.”

Local singers, including Sophie Frear, Katy Watts, Abi Miller and Holly Orridge, will all be performing acoustic sets in the marquee from 3-7pm.

Zelda Finch, who is also from Chatteris and will be singing at the event, said the festival offers something for everyone.

She said: “The festival is great because it brings everyone out together.

“As a town we need more events like this throughout the year”, she added.

From 7pm until late evening on Saturday, there will also be live music performances from acts including Rapture, Pure Chance, The Islanders, Jukebox Music and True Pacific.

On Sunday, there is to be a dog show, tug of war contests, children’s sports, cream teas, arena performances, inflatables, a Frozen snow globe and children’s entertainers.

Other attractions throughout the weekend include inflatable fun for children, children’s entertainers, have-a-go-archery, miniature steam engine rides, stalls, refreshments and arena acts.

The weekend of fun will begin on Saturday morning when a carnival parade leaves Church Lane at 11am and should arrive at the Furrowfields Recreation Ground at midday.

Two professional groups will be on hand to ensure the parade’s success; Madinga Arts will be running workshops prior to the event, on Friday, June 26, from 4-6, to make costumes for the parade, as well as a mask-making workshop; and UDM Samba will bring the sounds of Latin America to the festival.

There are only 20 mask making workshop places available so book in advance via 01354 695166.

Chatteris Midsummer Festival takes place this weekend, from 11am on Saturday, June 27, at Furrowfields Recreational Ground, Chatteris.