Following a £840,000 funding boost and led by an expanded team, the vibrant, multi-venue event will take place over nine days between July 19 and 27. With more emphasis on large-scale celebrations that bring the community together, the main attraction over the opening weekend will be the free family garden party. Queens Gardens will be transformed into an open-air performance space for live music and a series of pop-up shows on Saturday and Sunday, July 10 and 21, between 12pm and 5pm.
Magical entertainment and lots of surprises await at the giant golden ‘Birdcage Stage’ but visitors are also invited to bring all the family and immerse themselves in hands-on activities and garden-themed fun. (Image: Supplied) They can meet colourful characters too, such as the curious stilt-walking Birds of Paradise and eccentric seaside-loving folk of Everywhere’s A Beach. With so much free family entertainment in one place, here is a round-up of the main attractions: • Step Hop House by Folk Dance Remixed, 20 July, 12.
15pm to 1.15pm and 4pm to 5pm – a feel-good funky performance around a maypole. • The Bobbysocks, 20 July, 1.
30pm to 2.30pm – a three-part harmony group serving up an eclectic blend of folk, boogie-woogie and alt-country tunes. • Batida Rio, 20 July, 2.
45pm to 3.30pm – Warrington's samba band playing Afro-Brazilian inspired rhythms mixed with contemporary styles. • Bachelors of Paradise, 20 July, throughout the day – join the stilt-walking Birds of Parad.
