Thousands set to enjoy Ironbridge Gorge heritage day

The annual event, which is supported by Telford & Wrekin Council, will include a craft and food market, live street entertainment, an art competition and family arts activities.

The packed programme of events will take place from noon until 5pm on Saturday. Residents and visitors will be able to enjoy a large street market along the Wharfage offering foods, gifts and merchandise.

Local charities and community groups will also be running stands with raffles and fun challenges.

Paul Gossage, spokesman for the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, said: "The festival is always a wonderful event where families can visit the famous World Heritage Site, enjoy the special activities and explore the many riverside shops, pubs, cafes, antique shops, craft centres and restaurants that make the gorge such a wonderful place to experience."

In the Market Square, there will be family art activities including helping to make a giant tile panel with the Severn Gorge Countryside Trust, glass crafts with Kinki Glass, and having a go at printing an Iron Bridge postcard.

The Tollhouse on the Iron Bridge and the newly refurbished Museum of The Gorge will be open free of charge all day.

New for 2015 is a special art competition in which five local artists will be challenged to start and complete a work of art during the festival.

Visitors can watch the artists in action throughout the day and the winner will be declared at approximately 4.30pm.

Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust has been commissioned by Telford & Wrekin Council to manage the festival on its behalf.

All visitors are being advised to use the Ironbridge Park and Ride Service that operates from the top of Jiggers Bank (Sat Nav TF4 3QE) into the heart of the event for a small fee.

All of the Ironbridge car parks will be closed apart from the Station Road car park that will be available for blue badge holders only.

There will also be road closures in the gorge during the day.

For information about the event check out www.ironbridge.org.uk, call (01952) 433424 or email tic@ironbridge.org.uk