ORGANISERS have hailed the fourth Altrincham French Festival a huge success.

The three-day jamboree included arts and cultural entertainment, music, French inspired food and drink, a colourful parade and a spectacular firework display as the community came together to celebrate a weekend of French culture in venues across the town.

On July 8, the first French cultural evening was held at the Bowdon Downs Church in Altrincham with the support Arts et Cultures en Francophonie, a North West French language charity. Guests enjoyed a selection of live classical entertainment, poetry reading and 'La Guinguette' dance including a solo piano rendition of Carmen by pianist Jonathan Ellis.

Youngsters dressed in colourful costumes took part in a carnival parade through the town centre on Saturday, accompanied by a saxophonist and an accordion player.

That was followed by the second annual ‘Bastille Evening’ at Bowdon Rugby Club, Altrincham. The guests enjoyed a mouth-watering three-course French meal, and were entertained by Lucy Hope, with a variety of classic French songs. The evening closed with a spectacular firework display organised by Manchester Fireworks and the rendition of the French national anthem the 'Marseillaise' led by Lucy Hope.

On Sunday, Family Day was held in Stamford Park in Hale. Despite the waterlogged state of the park, the layout was rejigged to accommodate the event.

Attractions included a Euro 2016 themed U10 girl’s football tournament, a a 'La Grande Bake off' competition, stilt walkers dressed in French style costume, a puppet show and a French stage play.

The festival supported Marie Curie through raffle draws over the weekend, raising more than £2000.

Festival director, Zainul Sachak said: “Despite the unpredictable weather, we had a fabulous weekend in Altrincham which saw many different community groups and local businesses come together to put on a spectacular weekend of events to celebrate French culture.

"This event would not have been achieved without the hard work and commitment of a small group of passionate volunteers and professionals but also the generous support of many local businesses, schools and colleges."