THE summer sunshine has arrived of sorts and now excitement is heating up as Hale Barns Carnival 2019 fast approaches.

The family fun festival takes place across the weekend of Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, with plenty of activities for all ages.

It will feature more than 100 attractions including a traditional fun fair, falconry displays, supercars, sports, arts and crafts, artisan market, and food village and an all-star live concert each evening.

And to top it off it is free of charge between noon and 5pm

It will open with a special performance from the Manchester Survivors Choir on the B&M Stage. The choir is made up of survivors and people directly affected by the Manchester Arena bomb attack in 2017.

The evening concerts are ticketed and money raised from ticket sales will go towards community projects.

Evening performances include 80s stars Owen Paul and Nathan Moore from Brother Beyond; disco and soul legends Odyssey and The Real Thing; and a headline DJ set from Spandau Ballet’s Martin Kemp.

During the day there will be the High Jinx pop-up theatre featuring shows throughout the day. And there will be live music and acts.

A huge host of live music and acts will take to the B&M Stage throughout the day on both Saturday and Sunday, and will include local bands, dance troupes, choirs and tributes.

Performers across the weekend include Bananarama tribute Nanarama; State of Quo, a tribute to Status Quo; Irish dancing; electric and acoustic group String Infusion; charting Country music star Danny McMahon; Scarlett Quigley from The Voice; Retro City Orchestra; The Urban Poet Ged Austin; and the Oxfam Fashion Show.

Cheshire’s very own Vale Royal Falconry make a welcome return to educate visitors about British birds of prey and their habitat. The team are preparing impressive aerial displays to be shown across the weekend in the brand new event arena located in the centre of the showground.

Robinsons Brewery in Stockport will show their stunning Shire horses. Visitors can meet the horses and learn about Robinsons’ new breeding programme.

From four-legged horses to four-wheeled supercars. Motor enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice with an impressive display of sports and classics cars, including James Bond’s very own Aston Martin Db5 and the DeLorean made famous in the Back To The Future films.

Back in the centre arena, visitors can watch the incredible skills of master wood carvers while they work live and turn tree trunks into forest animals right in front of their eyes.

Seldon’s Fun Fair return with traditional rides and experiences for festivalgoers of all ages. New for 2019, Kids Craft Clubs will be located across the site where youngsters can try their hand at SandArt and other craft activities.

A sports showcase is also a new interactive addition, with many local sports groups offering visitors a chance to get sporty and join in with mini challenges across the weekend.

The Makers Market will host more than 50 talented artisan producers of arts and crafts, gifts, food and drink. Visitors are always bound to find something a little bit different and unexpected.

With so much to see, do and experience, visitors will work up and appetite and thirst – and they’re sure to be spoilt for choice.

Hale Barns Carnival prides itself on its choice and variety when it comes to its Food Village. It’s award-winning offering this year includes wood fired pizza, Belgium waffles, halloumi fries, and Greek souvlaki.

As well as taking along their stunning Shire horses, Robinsons Brewery will also be hosting its very own unique pub experience on the showground with pop-up bars and terraces.

The evening ticketed activity on Saturday and Sunday starts at 6pm, followed by the live concerts from 7.30pm.

Saturday evening’s concert shines a disco and soul spotlight on Hale Barns with live performances from groups The Real Thing and Odyssey.

While on the Sunday there is 80s-themed concert with performers Owen Paul and Nathan Moore, followed by headliner Martin Kemp with a Back To The 80s DJ set.

Max Eden from Hale Barns Events said: “We are ready to kick-start the summer and cannot wait to welcome visitors of all ages to Hale Barns Carnival.

"We have a tremendous programme lined up this year with plenty of activities on offer to keep everyone entertained throughout the entire weekend!

"Bring the whole family along and enjoy the wonderful carnival atmosphere!”