The wait for this year’s Letchworth Festival is almost over, with only eight days to go until the grand opening which will see a parade return to the town for the first time in more than 30 years.

The festival is set to be spectacular, with twice as many events as previous years packed into a fortnight of fun for all the family.

Running from Saturday, June 13, until Sunday, June 28, the annual event aims to celebrate life in Letchworth, with 130 activities taking place.

The grand opening next Saturday will include a parade through the town of more than 300 people – the first of its kind for three decades – with three marching bands, majorettes and Morris dancers all set to feature.

The main action that day will be at Broadway Gardens, where there will be a showcase of local musicians, as well as dancers and theatre performers.

Other attractions at the free event will include a classic car show, craft and community stalls, a funfair and food and drink stands.

Festival chairman Eric Adkins said: “There’s something for everyone. We are trying to make it very, very vibrant.”

Road closures will be in place between 9.30am and 11.30am for all roads and vehicle access points leading onto Broadway Gardens, Eastcheap, Station Place and the lower end of Broadway to allow the festival parade to gather and pass safely.

On Saturday and Sunday, June 20 and 21, there will be a sports weekend, with the public able to take part in everything from a 5km run and a cycle ride, to a squash and racketball open session.

The closing Proms in the Park event on June 28 will see the Letchworth Garden City Band and musicians from Highfield School and St Christopher School perform at Howard Park.

If you have not had a programme delivered, visit www.letchworthfestival.org. Programmes are also available from the tourist information centre on Station Road.