Published on 1st July 2011

Free family fun on Saturday 9 July

Plans are in full swing for one of Cheltenham's biggest free summer events.  Midsummer Fiesta in Montpellier is set to take place on Saturday 9 July 2011, from 12 noon through until 10pm in Montpellier Gardens.  Entry will be free of charge and the variety of activities on offer will be sure to please the whole family.

All ages will be able to get involved in entertainment which includes the return of the ever popular O2 inflatable rugby village complete with guest appearances by Gloucester Rugby players.  Cheltenham Town Football Club will also be offering free coaching. 

Live musical entertainment on three stages is set to span the spectrum from excellent local bands and poets to one of Australia's finest didgeridoo players to jazz and ukulele.  Watch out for the Fiesta parades from the town centre at 11.45am and 2pm led by African Sambistas and Cheltenham Scouts.  There will also be dance demonstrations by Mirage & Syren Bellydancers; Pittville School and the Coady Crew and the chance to try out Indonesian Gamelan instruments, bell ringing, didgeridoo, salsa dancing and Zumba.  

The market place will feature over 90 stalls offering local produce, gifts, jewellery, games, cakes, arts and crafts and much more. There will also be a collection of vintage and classic cars, all the fun of Danter's Fun Fair; a variety of food stalls, licensed bar; donkey rides, holistic therapies and an assault course. 

A dedicated children's area will offer lots of activities for youngsters including circus skills, face painting, a petting pony and bouncy castles.  So, pack a picnic and enjoy the free summer's day out - there's sure to be something to suit every member of the family.

The event is being hosted by Cheltenham Borough Council, Cheltenham Stronger Communities Partnership, HSBC Cheltenham Music Festival, Cheltenham West End Partnership and Hesters Way Partnership and the headline sponsor is Bromford Living.

Helen Down, partnerships officer at Cheltenham Borough Council said:  ''Plans are nicely underway for this year's event, with plenty being planned for the whole family.  As well as enjoying a great day of live music and dance, people can have a go at different sports and dance, play some unusual musical instruments, meet rugby stars, shop at the  market place and generally soak up the atmosphere.  It will be a great day, giving the chance for the whole community to come together.''

Read more information about the event or contact Helen Down, telephone 01242 774960.

ENDS

Photographers are welcome on the day.

Contact: Katie Sandey, communications team leader, telephone 01242 775050 or email: [email protected]