It's back! Middlewich Folk and Boat Festival is set to make a welcome return this summer and organisers are planning to make it the 'biggest and best' yet.

The big event, popular with Sandbach residents and those further afield, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year and is set to make a splash with a top band headlining.

Organisers, Middlewich Town Council, have announced a headline act, none other than The Waterboys – the hit folk/rock band with roots in the 80s.

Already there has been a joyous reaction to news of the festival's return on social media.

Facebook was set alight with the announcement with followers leaving comments such as 'amazing!' and 'I'm going to cancel my holiday to be in town for the festival' – all were positive and delighted to see Middlewich back on the map for celebrating its musical roots.

The event. which takes place on June 16-19 will once again showcase Middlewich's rich canal history with a colourful flotilla of narrow boats selling their crafts as part of a floating market.

They will be seen at three locations – on the Trent & Mersey Canal below Big Lock or above Kings Lock, and on the Shropshire Union Canal above Wardle.

The main stage will return to its traditional location on Market Field and there will be a toe-tapping trail of musical entertainment to follow around fringe festival pubs.

Cllr Jonathan Parry, who chairs the working group, said: "In this special 30th anniversary year, and after an enforced break due to the pandemic, we hope to make this festival one to remember.

"We have made some changes, spreading the attractions across town, to showcase Middlewich and all it has to offer.

"Already there has been a fantastic response from boaters who would like to attend and local pubs keen to get involved.

"The programme is growing by the day. More will be announced soon."

Key attractions include: Market Field: Main stage with The Waterboys on Friday and further acts throughout the weekend Royal British Legion, Lewin Street: A dedicated folk stage with music, food, and drink Fountain Fields: Community stage with family entertainment including performances by local dance groups and schools Civic Way car park: Games, stalls, souvenirs and foodie choices galore Wheelock Street: A vibrant market destination lined with crafts and delicious artisan foods Floating Market from Town Bridge to The Big Lock with narrowboats selling everything from cakes and crafts to ironwork and paintings Cllr Parry added: "There was a good crowd of visitors in 2019 but we feel we can do more to shout-out about Middlewich and celebrate its musical roots and warm-hearted welcome. "We were keen to encourage more local involvement and the response has been overwhelming. We have town residents on the working group and many locals offering to be festival volunteers. "We want to take the festival back to its folk roots but also move with the times and are determined to make this year the biggest and best yet." As headliners, The Waterboys are set to bring many fans. Led by brilliant Scottish guitarist/vocalist Mike Scott, the band includes Memphis keyboard great 'Brother' Paul Brown and British drummer Ralph Salmins.