FREE parking will be available in the town car park for Fordingbridge Festival, it has been announced.

Fordingbridge Events Group are organising the festival which takes place at the Recreation Ground on July 20 from 10.30am to 5pm.

Nicky Jenkins, the chairperson of the Fordingbridge Events Group, said: “We spoke to Fordingbridge Town Council about applying for free parking in Fordingbridge on the day of the festival and it has worked its magic again this year.

“Both town car parks will be free all day so as well as having a day packed full of activities on the recreation ground, visitors will be able to visit the town, which is full of independent shops and boutiques.”

There will be a music stage with performances from local musicians including Alis Eaton, Tom Gwyther, Kez Hinton, Harry Budd and a number of Burgate school performers along with a new band to the area, The Homing.

Other activities on offer during the event include a dog display area organised by Colfords of Fordingbridge and a vintage vehicles display.

In the children’s area there will be a climbing wall, circus skills workshop, tea cup rides, bungee trampolines, play zone inflatables, football skills, face painting, and children’s entertainer Krazy Kev.

Main arena acts include a display by Fordingbridge fire and rescue, a tug of war, a birds of prey, a tractor pull, rugby skills demonstration and heavy horse obstacle racing, which is part of a British Heavy Horse Driving Trials Club event comprising obstacle courses and a timed 5 kilometre drive around Fordingbridge taking place over the weekend.

Nicky added: “This year we are again thrilled with the support we have received from Fordingbridge Town Council, the local businesses and the wider community.

“With the festival on the Saturday and The British Heavy Horse Driving Trials Club event on the Sunday morning, Fordingbridge is the place to be on the 20th and 21st of July. What better way to kick off the school holidays.”

Anyone looking to get involved with the festival visit fordingbridgefestival.com or email fordingbridgeevents@gmail.com.

Advanced tickets are available from Pampered Dogs, Caxtons, Fordingbridge Bookshop, The George, Bonallack & Bishops Solicitors, Bridges, The Cottage Loaf, The Gourmet Grocer, Tourist Information Office and Jessica.