Burntwood Wakes Festival 2016: Fantastic day pledge as festival returns

The family fun day is being held at Burntwood Leisure Centre from midday until 4pm. Admission is free.

Activities and attractions include a procession led by world taekwondo champion Rachel Shepherd, a scarecrow competition, music from Rugeley Brass Band, and a fancy dress competition organised by Spark Burntwood with a royal theme to celebrate the Queen's 90th birthday.

This year's festival will return to its old stomping ground at Burntwood Leisure Centre, formerly the old baths.

The event, which attracts up to 10,000 revellers each year, moved to Burntwood Rugby Club in the early 2000s so it could be expanded from one day to three but its lack of parking and its bowl-like' plot of land saw its popularity dwindle.

But now Burntwood Town Council says the Wakes is coming home.

Burntwood Town Councillor Heather Tranter, who heads up the council's events committee, has vowed it will be a fantastic day and said the festival is all about giving back to the community and not about making money.

She said: "We keep saying it is coming home. The Wakes are coming has been the phrase we keep using.

"It is going to be a really wonderful day. We have got KP events who are running the event for us and we have been working closely with several groups including Lichfield District Council. We are hoping to have a fantastic day.

"There is a lot going on so I would not like to speculate as to what might be the most popular.

"We have fairground rides which will be free at the point of entry like everything else. If you have, for example, three children and it is £3 each to go on the ride then it is £9 a go for a family which is not what we are looking for at all.

"The event is not about making money it is about giving back to the community in Burntwood.

"We will start off with a procession and world taekwondo champion Rachel Shepherd will be opening the festival.

"The Rugeley Power Station band will be there playing as we have tried to get as many people there as possible.

"It has taken a lot of planning. We have had to get security sorted, liaised with the local police and work with the district council to use their land.

"Children's nursery Busy Bees will be there to deal with the lost children aspect.

"Everything is going to be free with the exception of caters. I know I mention the free aspect a lot but it is so important to us that we are giving back to the Burntwood community."

Also at the annual festival is Woodland Beasties, Punch & Judy, funfair rides for under-10s, children's assault courses, human table football, a surf simulator, bouncy castle, rodeo bull, bungee run, a fire engine display, Zumba, a dance group, and craft, charity and public information stalls.

The festival technically kicked off last weekend with the push-kart derby which was attended by hundreds and was a great day, according to Councillor Tranter.

For tomorrow, organisers say there will be no public parking at the leisure centre, with the exception of blue-badge holders.

However, a shuttle bus service will run from Chase Terrace Technology College in Bridge Cross Road every 15 minutes starting at 11.45am. The fare will be a minimum donation of 50p.

The 2016 festival has been put together by Burntwood Town Council in partnership with KP Events.

Past performers at the festival include 'Is This the Way to Amarillo?' singer Tony Christie.