THE annual Bude-Stratton Heritage Festival will take place in and around the town’s most significant built heritage – The Castle and the Bude Canal.

With the event taking place on Sunday, July 24, the event organisers, Bude-Stratton Town Council, are delighted that the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall has accepted an invitation from the Mayor, Cllr Lea Deely, to attend and take part in an opening ceremony.

The festival is a fantastic celebration, not only of the area, but the wider Cornish culture, showcasing Cornwall’s past, present and future with a huge variety of exhibits, stalls, free demonstrations, workshops and activities for visitors of all ages and interests to enjoy.

Traditional annual exhibitors include a static display of vintage cars, steam engines and tractors, whilst the achievements of Sir Goldsworthy Gurney are celebrated in the resident exhibition at the Heritage Centre in the Castle.

Canalside, on the Bark House lawn, members of the Bude Canal Trust and the Bude Canal and Harbour Society will be on hand to field questions and share their in-depth knowledge of one of the most unusual canal systems in the UK, while Bude Pilot Gig club will be on the water, offering the opportunity for bystanders to have a go at rowing as well as presenting a short activity which will begin in the Castle grounds and end up at the wharf.

One of the town’s most popular and iconic attractions will be represented by the Friends of Bude Sea Pool, while Cornwall Wildlife Trust will host a marine themed stall to promote their exciting newly launched Your Shore Beach Ranger Project.

There will be no admission charges with a host of free attractions, including a play area hosted by the Bude Toy Library, a bouncy castle and giant garden versions of popular games. Younger family members will undoubtedly enjoy having their faces painted, glitter tattoos or joining in Mr Showers’ circus skills workshops.

A variety of live performances are also scheduled to take place throughout the day at various locations on the event site, including traditional story-telling from a bard of the Gorsedh Kernow, brass bands and acapella, and a traditional Punch and Judy Show from Professor Goodvibes.

An exciting addition to the programme this year is a fun family dog-show, being run by the Locke and Preston Veterinary Group to raise funds for the popular local wildlife rescue sanctuary, Born To be Wild.

The Mayor of Bude-Stratton, Cllr Lea Deely, said: “We are a vibrant, diverse and talented community. I’m absolutely delighted the Lord Lieutenant and other local dignitaries are able to join us to see the many local individuals and groups who have chosen to take part in this year’s event.

“I look at the Heritage Festival programme with a sense of pride. It’s fun, it’s educational, it’s engaging. It celebrates not only our past achievements, but highlights our place in future history by showcasing so much of what makes Bude-Stratton such a tremendous place to live.”

For more information, isit www.thecastlebude.org.uk where a full programme is available.