COMEDIAN and Phoenix Nights actor Justin Moorhouse will top the bill at this year's Stockton Heath Festival.

The Manchester comic will be performing at the Slug and Lettuce in Grappenhall Road next Thursday.

Other highlights on Saturday, July 4, include Cheshire Cycle's extreme mountain bike show and an open air performance of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing by festival regulars Oddsocks at Grappenhall Heys Walled Garden.

Andrew Renshaw, events manager, said: "We've had Oddsocks at the festival for the last four years and they really are fantastic entertainers.

"They do Shakespeare but they put their own twist on it so it is fun and accessible. It'll be a fantastic evening.

"We couldn’t use the walled garden last year due to building work being carried out on the glass houses.

"The work has now been finished so if you’ve not visited recently this is an opportunity to have a look around the garden and enjoy the play in a stunning setting."

There are plenty of other productions too with Stockton Heath Methodist Dramatic Society presenting John Godber's Happy Jack next Thursday at the methodist church.

The thespians are also putting on a special performance of Alice in Wonderland on Saturday, July 4, at the festival marquee to tie in with the 150th anniversary of Lewis Carroll's novel.

Stockton Heath Festival's team of 10 have been planning the four-day event since September with more than 1,000 visitors expected.

The festival, now in its eighth year, features more than 50 attractions starting next Thursday evening with the Rhos Orpheus Male Choir at St Thomas's Church.

The celebration finishes on the Sunday night, July 5, with tribute act the Mersey Beatles in the festival marquee.

Andrew, who used to live in Orchard Street in Stockton Heath but now lives in Moore, added: "It's been fantastic organising the event.

"I'm particularly looking forward to the Saturday and Sunday on the Diamond Jubilee playing field where it will be great to see families getting involved with the entertainment.

"After all the planning it is great to see people enjoying themselves."

Warrington Light Opera is bringing visitors back in time for their second visit to the festival on Friday, July 3, with 'Back to the Good Old Days' at Stockton Heath Methodist Church.

And swing and jazz band Schwing and country and western band Wire County will get the crowds on their feet in the festival marquee on the same night.

There is plenty to keep the kids entertained too including Magical Craig and a children’s mini zoo including hawks and owls on Saturday and Wizz the Wizzard on Sunday.

For more information visit http://stocktonheathfestival.co.uk

DAVID MORGAN