ALTRINCHAM is gearing up for a gem of a community celebration this weekend, as it marks the ruby anniversary of the town's annual festival.

Event organisers are inviting everyone to join in this year's Altrincham Festival, which was launched 40 years ago.

A feast of entertainment and attractions has been lined up for the grand parade and showground day and also throughout the week.

Festival chairman Neil Taylor said: " The Altrincham Festival, is the biggest free show in Trafford, and this year a very special anniversary as we celebrate our ruby year. We have been providing this free event since 1977.

"We urge everyone to come and watch the grand parade, and then come and join us on the show ground and have an amazing time.

"We have a host of other events taking place during the festival week for everyone to take part in."

The festival begins with the traditional grand parade which leaves St Margaret’s Road at 11am on Saturday, July 1 and travels to the main festival showground in Timperley

The procession will consist of more than 50 entries including brass bands, drummers and floats.

It will be led by festival rosebuds Evie Carroll, Grace Williams and Maya Parker.

Then it is on to the main festival showground at Beechfields Recreation Ground, Grange Avenue, Timperley, where festival goers can enjoy a funfair, a brass band, a giant inflatable, food stalls, a licensed bar, a craft marquee, charity and business stalls - including Trafford Pride - and many other attractions,.

The highlight will be the 'Above and Beyond Show' - featuring amazing displays of grace, strength and daring, performed at a height of 10 metres with no safety net.

The main arena will also feature the Breaston Highlanders Marching Band giving a marching display and there will be dance displays from Jannik Dance and Onyx Dance.

There will also be a car display by Evans Halshaw.

Other events taking place over July as part of the festival celebrations include a festival pub quiz at the Railway pub in Hale. The heats are held on July 3 and 4 with the final taking place on Thursday, July 6.

A concert by Kaleidoscope Big Band with the Alma Singers takes place at 7.30pm on July 5 at the Cresta Court hotel, Church Street, Altrincham. Admission £7. For tickets call 07941 154448 or pay on the door.

A sequence dance show will be held at the Lark Hill Centre, Thorley Lane, Timperley from 7pm on July 7. Tickets are £5, contact Connie on 0161 282 2671.

A new addition this year was called The Altrincham Fringe. This saw a series of musical events take place each Sunday in June on the straw stage at Altrincham Market.

Parade marshals and showground volunteers are being sought, contact 0161 980 5473 or 07825 077204.