As usual, the festival will be held in the last weekend of June, this year on Saturday to Monday, 27–29 June. Ever since last year's festival, the committee has been hard at work to make this year's the best ever! The theme is Ripton through the ages. Scenes will be acted out showing how the town has developed since it was first established. But there's also plenty that's up-to-date, from the latest music to local crafts.

The Craft Fair is a regular part of the festival. Come and meet professional artists, designers and craftsmen and women, who will display their jewellery, paintings, ceramics, and much more. They'll also take orders, so if you want one of them to make something especially for you, just ask! You'll get it within a month of the festival ending.

The Saturday barbecue will start at 2 pm and continue until 10 pm, with a bouncy castle for kids. The barbecue will be held in Palmer's Field, or in the town hall if there's rain. Book your tickets now, as they always sell out very quickly! Entry for under 16s is free all day; adults can come for free until 6 pm and pay £5 after that. There'll be live music throughout, with local amateur bands in the afternoon and professional musicians in the evening.

On Sunday we're delighted to introduce an afternoon of boat races, arranged by the Ripton Rowing Club. The spectator area by the bridge has plenty of room to stand and cheer the boats home, in addition to a number of benches. The winners of the races will be presented with trophies by the mayor of Ripton.

All money raised by the festival will go to support the sports clubs in Ripton.