Fun time for all at free festival

2:28pm Friday 4th July 2008

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IT is Bexley's biggest weekend of the year as Danson Park opens its gates for the annual Danson Festival.

The free two-day event at the park in Danson Road, Bexleyheath, gets under way from 10am this Saturday with a host of attractions to suit every age and taste.

Talented youngsters will feature everywhere across the two days, whether it is dancing on the dance stage, singing or playing music on the community stage, performing in the youth zone or taking part in the Earth Carnival in the arts zone.

Topping the bill on the main music stage at 5pm on Saturday is Suspiciously Elvis and, on Sunday, the Motown Show.

Visitors can enjoy up-and-coming young bands, performers from the folk scene and international music, performed on the many different stages.

If sport is your thing, whether taking part or watching, the sports zone will feature displays of everything from fencing to weightlifting, as well as have-a-go sessions.

There will also be taster sessions of sailing, canoeing, windsurfing and scuba diving in the park's lake.

On Sunday, there will also be dragon boat races on the lake, a fundraiser for the Anthony Nolan bone marrow trust.

The arts village will feature activities, performances and workshops and an Earth Carnival on Sunday afternoon with a spectacular procession featuring a giant phoenix, leaping stag puppets and a giant oak tree.

Find out more about the cultures of the many nationalities which make up the borough of Bexley in the cultural marquee, or browse through the stalls at the craft fair.

There will be a display of classic cars on Sunday, and the community zone will feature exhibitions and advice from the many community groups working in the borough and a section where residents can learn more about environmental work in the borough.

With giant inflatables, a funfair, a garden zone, plenty of places to eat and drink and an arena to watch dog agility, horse and pony and other favourite displays, it will be two fun-packed days.

Entry to the festival, which runs from 10am until 6pm (7pm for the main stage) on both days, is free.

Parking for the disabled is via the main drive off Danson Road, while the main public car park can be accessed via Lakeside Close.

Parking costs £5.50 per car.