A NEW one-day street theatre festival will take over Northwich town centre in October.

'Now Northwich' will feature music, dance and performances throughout the day from 1pm, with performers ranging from Cheshire to international groups.

Hundreds of performers will take part in the day of free family fun on Saturday, October 6, culminating in Saurus – a show featuring 'the biggest beasts that ever walked the earth'.

Cllr Louise Gittins, Cheshire West and Chester Council cabinet member for communities and wellbeing said: “This is going to be such an exciting event for Northwich.

"The Urban Astronaut, Vegetable Nannies and Push are just some of the many performers already confirmed. Saurus is set to light up the town for the finale.

“The word from the organisers is expect the unexpected, in what is hoped will become an annual event.”

Groups include Cheshire Dance and Fallen Angels Dance Theatre, as well as Netherlands-based Close-Act Theatre

A CWAC spokesman said: "It will be a day of fun for all the family that celebrates Northwich and stretches the imagination with all that is possible.

"You may expect surprises at every turn, meeting an Urban Astronaut or a Vegetable Nanny in Weaver Way."

Now Northwich has been developed with Deda Producing – renowned for producing outdoor festivals – in partnership with dance agency Cheshire Dance.

The project has received support from partners including Northwich BID, Northwich Town Council, Mid-Cheshire Development Board, Gadbrook Park BID, Marketing Cheshire and independent traders in the town.

Funded by Arts Council England and CWAC, the festival is a feature event part of SLANT.

nownorthwich.co.uk