An annual event to celebrate Sandbach's rich heritage returns shortly and the town is inviting creative youngsters to take part in a flag bunting competition.

Everyone is invited to go along to Sandbach Market Town Festival event which will take place inside Sandbach Market Hall and on Small Common on Saturday 12 September.

Sandbach Market was granted a charter nearly 450 years ago by Queen Elizabeth I and the Market Town Festival event has its roots in the town's rich market heritage.

There will be family-friendly events from 10am and 3pm including traditional fairground stalls with hook-a-duck, hoopla, inflatable axe throwing and test of strength.

To celebrate the occasion, Sandbach Town Council is running a bunting colouring competition with a display of bunting flags to decorate the historic Market Hall.

Collect your blank flag template from the Market Hall display stand or the Town Hall foyer or download a copy here and return your entries by next Monday (7 September).

On the day, there will be lots of activities on offer at the Market Hall for children to take part in, including:

· Sand art (10am - 1.30pm) with Sand Art and Fun with Jo

· Face painting (10am - 3pm) with The Vivid Tribe Face Painting

· Circus skills (10am - 12 noon & 1pm - 3pm) with Co-Train

· "Best dressed" fancy dress competition (judging takes place at 1pm)

· Craft activities and Spot the Dragon trail

And the Knightly Nonsense walkabout performers will be on a quest to travel the land and bring joy and laughter to all of the King's subjects.

Dragons will be tamed, royalty will be rescued and two unicycling knights will joust it out for glory! Food and drink will also be available from snag a sausage to ice-cream.

Sandbach Market traders are looking forward to welcoming everyone to the Market Hall when you might spot a Tudor costume or two!

Browse the stalls and explore the quality array of goods on offer. Sandbach Makers Market will also be taking place so there's plenty to see and do in town for families on Market Town Festival Day.

A Sandbach Town Council spokesperson said: "Sandbach Market Town Festival is a fun event aimed at local families.

"Sandbach has a proud market heritage and this festival is a celebration of that connection. We hope to see everyone enjoying themselves in town whilst exploring what's on offer at Sandbach Market!"