Where: Stow-on-the-Wold

When: Saturday, July 20, 11am to 11pm

Stow Cotswold Festival is going back to its roots and sheep are, once again, set to strut their stuff in Stow-on-the-Wold Square - evoking the heyday of the town's famous markets.

"Our aim is to give visitors and residents an insight into what has made our town unique whilst ensuring the whole family has an entertaining and fun day out." said festival chairman Dave Wiblin.

From 11am to 11pm on Saturday, July 20, the biennial event will celebrate traditional Cotswold life, crafts and heritage.

Focus returns to the once-flourishing wool trade which brought Stow its wealth and reputation. Traditional Cotswold Sheep - often known as Lions because of their distinctive 'dreadlocks' - will be on display alongside woolly alpacas to give a modern twist.

Visitors will be able to pet the animals and examine one of the Lion's distinctive fleeces, before, in St Edward's Hall, discovering the stages it goes through to become a finished product.

Look out for displays of weaving, carding, spinning, knitting, crocheting, felting and leather work.

The hall will also have displays of artefacts relating to the town's greatest claim to fame - the 1646 Battle of Stow. Armour, arms and paintings, together with Stow's historic timeline, will be on display.

There will also be a rare opportunity to climb the tower of St Edward's Church for a panoramic view across Stow and the surrounding countryside.

A range of local crafts will be on display on Stocks Green including a working forge and a pebble mosaic creator. Over 30 market stalls, featuring food/drink, unusual gifts, hand-made jewellery, clothing and home furnishings will cater for the avid shoppers.

Why not try your luck at our giant tombola where every entry wins a prize? Children can enjoy games, face painting and fairgrounds rides.

Entertainers will perform throughout the day including the popular circus entertainer from the last festival, John Hayns and Professor Dogsbody's Punch & Judy shows.

Other performances will include Morris dancing from two local groups, the Blockley Brass Band, the Corinium Players Guitar Ensemble, Paige & the Red Shift Jazz Band and the Cotswold Male Voice Choir.

From 7pm revellers can dance while the sun sets to more live music from local covers band Monkey Jam.

The festival is fundraising for three local causes: Stow Disability Association, Stow Alms Houses and the Stow Community and Family Hub. The Sam Pilcher Trust will again man the festival car park.