The Dancing Grannies are a gang of Black Country elderly ladies who like to get down and boogie wherever they please. When they are not at the bingo or having half a stout in the local pub, you’ll find them entertaining the crowds. The will travel to wherever the Dial-a-Ride will take them, even Bahrain. Since the demise of Meals on Wheels they need the extra pennies to top up their pension.

High streets, shopping centres, theatres, corporate functions, festivals, concerts and generally anywhere where there is a bus stop not too far away.

You might have seen them on the telly box or in a video posted on twitterbook as they get tons of shares, MILLIONS in fact. They are quite good at drawing attention to themselves due to their Tinder profiles which proved a huge hit with the male population. They also have thousands of stalkers worldwide on all social media platforms because they dance THAT GOOD.

Each year our very own brass band starts the festival with a medley of tunes that sets the tone for the day. This is one of Cricklade’s oldest and busiest organisations, formed in 1887 with 30+ musicians delivering a highly professional and hugely successful sound.
The band plays for ceremonial events, festivals, religious services, air shows and processions, not to mention their own dance parties throughout the year. We are proud to have them open the festival each year – it wouldn’t be the same without them.
The Cricklade Band will be leading the procession at 11am and will perform immediately afterwards near the Jubilee Clock – come along and show your support.
By the way, they are always keen to welcome new members – are you a budding or accomplished musician? Just get in touch with them and say hello. They will be thrilled to meet you.

“The doors are opened, words and stories tumble out, music and laughter begins to fill the air and then, as if by magic, children start to arrive.”
The Shed of Stories – new to this year’s festival – is a multipurpose performance space. Stories are told by performers both inside and outside the shed. Classic tales are told as well as new writing and even improvised stories. Anything to suit the children.
Tales will be told at various intervals throughout the day. Between story times the shed becomes a pop-up library where children and families can read together. There will also be a small writing desk with paper and pencils where older children can pen their next masterpiece.

You can find Shed of Stories in the Festival Field with storytime starting every 45 minutes.

Meadowpark Choir is a group of 7-11 year old children who are eager to learn new songs and perform at special events and concerts.

They rehearse each week and are developing harmony skills and building confidence to sing in small groups or as a soloist. In May, Meadowpark Prep children performed ‘Schools Will Rock You’ at the Town Hall in Cricklade – it was a fantastic show!

We are delighted to showcase their talent on the main stage this year.