THERE will be fun for all the family at this year’s Ramsbottom Festival — as organisers unveil a new programme of arts and crafts in time for next month’s event.

A crew of dancers, puppeteers, musicians, circus performers and storytellers will be on hand to make sure it is not just the music which pulls in the crowds.

Family fun at the festival, which is held at Ramsbottom Cricket Club, will run all weekend from Friday, September 19 to Sunday, September 21.

On Saturday youngsters can get involved in Lolly, Pops and Circus Props — a play which tells the story of a girl who runs away with a circus.

Revellers can also join in the world of the Marvellous Imaginary Menagerie on Saturday and Sunday, a crew of misfits who wear outlandish make-up and costumes.

Festival-goers should make sure they take their dancing shoes on Sunday, with performers from Aashiyana Arts teaching people the best moves in Indian dance culture.

In addition, on Friday and Saturday, outdoor arts group Walk the Plank present Shadowplay, which creates human sculptures and silhouetted characters inspired by European folklore.

The festival will also help to explore creativity and storytelling, with the Forward Theatre Project presenting Bird, a tale of flight, freedom and friendship told through puppetry and live music on Saturday.

Physical theatre company Pif-Paf will present Something to Hold on Saturday and Sunday, a collection of stories inspired by the moon and the stars, and on Sunday, theatre company Stories and More will hold an interactive show of music, songs and storytelling where children get to choose their own adventure.

The cricket ground’s wicket will be home to a collection of sculptures of giant animals and magical creatures throughout the festival thanks to the Wild in Art project.

The sculptures will be designed and painted by children from nearby schools led by professional artists, who also designed the Cow Parade in Manchester, and the Olympic Mascots trail in London.

Festivalgoers aged 25 and under can receive a nationally recognised Arts Award discoverer certificate, by taking part and exploring all of the family friendly activities during the weekend.

Organisers have also been further boosted by the announcement Bury-based telecoms firm Pennine Telecom have become a festival sponsor, and will provide two-way radios and a secure wireless internet network to serve staff, volunteers, the media and music fans.

n AMERICAN singer-songwriter Nell Bryden will bring her new album to the festival.

The classically trained musician, who has performed as support act to Gary Barlow and Chris Rea, will perform tracks from her new album ‘Wayfarer’ on the Sunday.