A CRICKET club has stepped in to secure the future of a popular Tottington event after its future was in doubt.

Tottington’s Big Day Out has now moved venue to Tottington St John’s Cricket Club after it had outgrown the previous location at Whitehead Gardens.

The all-day event, which will take place on Sunday, July 6, will pool the experience of the organisers of the festival, which is now in its 13th year, and the facilities of the cricket club.

Organisers also say they are hoping to make the festival more family friendly this year, and bring back games and traditions which hark back to the traditional village fete.

The event will still feature six bands across the day, and the usual beer garden and other attractions, in addition to the more traditional offerings.

Festival organiser Geoff Leach said the event could not have carried on without the change of venue.

He said: “It was apparent last year that it was getting bigger and bigger, and the facilities we had in the church hall and the grounds were not suitable.

“We had to make a decision if we would carry on or find a bigger venue, and thankfully St John’s came in and said we could use their facilities.” Mr Leach says traditional events such as a coconut shy, as well as more wacky games such as egg throwing and worm charming, would hopefully attract the crowds.

He said: “We are going to try and take it back to a more family orientated event, which will still have the bands and the music but try to get more of the village involved.”

The event, which was formerly known as Tottington’s Music in the Park festival, was rebranded last year and featured the image of Wallace and Gromit star Lady Tottington in its promotional material.

The festival will run from 12.30pm-6pm, admission £1 for adults, but free for children.

For more information, e-mail tottysbigdayout@gmail.com