ALTRINCHAM French Festival organisers are gearing up for another Gallic experience with the inaugural Beaujolais Nouveau festival.

The town’s first Beaujolais Nouveau, a celebration of the new wine season of the same name in France, will take place in Goose Green on Saturday November 28.

In light of the sad news in Paris, a ceremony, which will include a minute’s silence before a rendition of the French national anthem La Marseillaise, will now be held at 1.30pm. This is to show solidarity with the French people living in the community and those overseas and dignitaries have been invited.

The festival itself will involve businesses based in Goose Green, including Francs and Piazza, who will be offering food and drink for guests during the day.

Gastronomy, from Hale, will have a stall in the square, alongside wine distributor Cracking Wines, the firm behind the recent Fizz Festival, who will give guests an insight into Beaujolais wine.

Entertainment for children will be provided between 10am and 5pm on the big stage by Radio Lollipop, including singing and dancing. Radio Lollipop, a volunteer-run children’s radio station which operates from Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, will be the official charity for the festival.

Evening entertainment will be provided by Chanteuse (Lucy Hope), Altrincham’s Rock Choir, French singer Laura Esher, musician Julie Edwards and performer Hugo Kensdale.

Zainul Sachak, who spearheaded the festival, said: “It has always been my intention to help put Altrincham on the map for cultural events in Greater Manchester as I believe it is a hidden gem with great potential and a strong sense of community.

“My aim is to make Altrincham the gateway into Manchester.”

The Beaujolais Nouveau festival is one of several new events organised by the French Festival team. The next event, Altrincham Santa Festival, will take place the following week, on Saturday December 5.

For more information about the upcoming Beaujolais Nouveau festival, click here.