Many people, after watching a circus, will often say, "How did they do that?" At this year's Community Festival, there will be a chance to find out at a workshop which will be run on the Hollies Green for all to try. This is just one of a full day of attractions at which the emphasis is on fun.

The festival, which will be held this year on Saturday, 13th July, will open at 11 a.m., although some of the rides will no doubt be operating before the opening ceremony.

Perhaps the big act of the day is 'Ignition', a truly international group. They even appeared at the London Olympic Games last year, as well as on the European continent. 'Ignition' will add the extra wow to the festival, with their stilt-walking characters, Fire Eaters and Fire Spinners.

Immediately after the opening, the free Craft Workshop and free Circus Skills Workshop will begin on the Hollies Green. Cash prizes can be won by entrants to the Craft Workshop. During the day, a 'Cutest Baby Competition' will run with baby portraits available for the winner and the Skate Park will host a Tag Team Championship.

The ever-popular Punch and Judy show will again be on the Hollies Green, hopefully getting the younger members of the community shouting earnestly at Mr Punch as he does his horrible deeds.

Always popular are the dancers, with Zumba Dancing taking place outside the Town Hall and later, the Susan Hill School of Dancing will give another great display. The Sue Hill Dancers have, over the last few years, entered most of the local carnivals, including Midsomer Norton, winning many cups and prizes in the process.

This is just a small part of the day's offering, as the usual funfair rides will be spaced around the town, interspersed with the charity stalls hoping to make money for their causes. If any charity or club has not yet asked for a site, but would like one, please get in contact with the Secretary, asap on: 01761 415334 or: 07595 470883.

As usual, there will be road closures from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. to allow the rides and stalls to be safely set up. The High Street will be closed from Martins to the church and Silver Street from South Road to the church without exception during these hours.

Once again, we appeal for charities or clubs who have people available to wield the collecting buckets throughout the day. 40% of the collection will go to the collecting clubs to help raise their funds. Come and join us for an exciting day!

Allan Curtis