Local children and their families can have fun at the Cheltenham Children's Festival completely free of charge again this year.

The one-day event, on Saturday, 24 June, at Cheltenham Town Hall, from 10am to 3pm, will see over 25 exciting activities and performances, including the most inclusive and diverse range of activities to date.

The event is returning thanks to major sponsor Incito Group - McDonalds, and activity zones sponsored by The Brewery Quarter, Dean Close Little Trees and Colour Connection.

Some of the highlights include: interactive science, music and drama activities, sign language sing-along, multi sports and storytelling.

The theme of the festival is 'togetherness', and will feature three zones: 'playing together', 'learning together' and 'growing together' all aimed at primary school-aged children with all ages welcome.

Cllr Flo Clucas, member for communities and safety, said: ''Everything fabulous about childhood can be found at the Cheltenham Children's Festival. The day promises to be a fantastic event which, thanks to the endless creativity of youth groups and together with all involved, will spark children's imagination and entertain.

''Thanks to all our sponsors as their generosity ensures we're back, bolder and more brilliant than ever.''

The one-day festival will run from 10am to 3pm and for the first time will feature a 'quiet hour' between 10am and 11am to better accommodate those children with additional needs. More details on booking the quiet hour will be released soon.

Supporting sponsors for the festival include Dean Close Little Trees sponsoring the 'Growing Together' zone, Colour Connection sponsoring the 'Learning Together' zone and The Brewery Quarter will be sponsoring the 'Playing Together' zone.

Incito Group - McDonald's inspiration officer Amanda Toner said: "Incito Group - McDonalds are incredibly proud to support the Cheltenham Children's Festival as the headline sponsor this year.

"Our local communities give us everything, so we are always keen to support and give back to them. McDonald's gives more young people their first job than any other business in the world. It's our privilege to be able to inspire the next generation."

This year will also see the return of 'The Town Centre Stage' at the Brewery Quarter, encouraging local children's groups such as Belmont Children's Choir, My Stage School, Lakeside School, Danceworks Studios and many more to showcase their performing arts skills to the general public.

A full list of events and further information will be posted on the No Child Left Behind Facebook page and website.

Charles Welsh, executive head of Aspire Foundation and chair of the Children's Festival steering group, added: "An exciting and brilliant day is planned and togetherness is central to the festival. A fun flash-mob is also planned for Saturday, 17 June, led by Lakeside School. We'd love to hear from more schools and youth groups who want to get involved.''

To get involved in the town centre flash-mob email childrensfestivalchelt@cheltenham.gov.uk 

Follow the festival @NCLBchelt on Facebook or Twitter to keep up to date with news and activities.

The festival is run by a steering group of Cheltenham Borough Council, Aspire Foundation, MoveMore, CCP, Family Space, Cheltenham Festivals, Belmont School, Cheltenham Borough Homes, The Brewery Quarter and Active Impact.