Ironbridge Gorge hosts festival to honour heritage

And residents are keeping their fingers-crossed that road closures in the town for the day-long festival will be successful. Lengthy talks have been held with council chiefs to iron out problems after road closures for the Olympic torch relay earlier this year were criticised.

The celebration starts on Saturday with the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Festival in the town.

Residents were due to meet council highway chiefs to look in detail at closures.

Richard Soame, of Cherry Tree Hill, who called for a new traffic plan for the festival, said: "We are a little happier with the traffic plan."

The World Heritage Festival starts at noon. The Wharfage will be transformed into a market selling locally made crafts and food with local charities also represented and street performers entertaining visitors.

Community bands and musicians will also perform in the Square, including the Jackfield Band and the Telfordaires.

At Merrythought Village the workshops and micro brewery will be open and people can also enjoy a scenic river cruise aboard The Hafren. There will also be donkey rides. Local historians will be on hand all day to give guided walks and talks to help visitors understand the history of the Gorge and why it has been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

As the evening draws-in the market will continue to trade and the Iron Bridge will be illuminated, with a firework display ending at 8pm.

The festival will be followed by a week of nostalgic talks and walks culminating in the Heritage and Craft Festival at Maws Craft Centre, in Jackfield, from September 29 to September 30.

There is no parking in the Ironbridge Gorge on Saturday. People should use the Park and Ride at the top of Jiggers Bank.