JUNE 3: THE experts at plastics company Wavin have been putting their technical know-how to the test to create a fantastic obstacle course for children at this year's North Wiltshire Festival on July 1617.

The company, which is based in Parsonage Way, Chippenham, has been a driving force in the festival for several years and this year they will be offering smaller visitors to the event even more fun things to do.

The Wavin stand will be a hive of activity with educational fun and games including face painting, colouring competitions, balloon races, water pumps, giant taps and wishing wells.

But the firm's piece de resistance will be an obstacle course consisting of all manner of pipes and even wheelie bins for children to clamber and climb through.

Fun with a serious message, the obstacle course will challenge youngsters physically while testing their environmental knowledge.

George Gray, Wavin's head of industry, liaison and development, said: "There will be a series of obstacles, but each will have a recycling or environmental message.

"One for example will ask children to crawl through one of our 600mm diameter water pipes three times, while transporting water."

Carrying on the water theme, Wavin will also be joined this year by WaterAid, the UK charity dedicated to providing clean water to communities in the Third World.

The charity will be displaying its systems and talking to people about its work.

While the kids are having fun, adults can pick up some cooking tips at the working kitchen and maybe even a brand new kitchen worth £4,700 too, thanks to another of the Festival's sponsors Prestige Wood.

Dean Smethurst of Prestige Wood, which is based in Cricketts Lane, has stepped in to help the festival team out by building a display kitchen and what's more, he has kindly agreed to auction the kitchen off for charity afterwards.

Mr Smethurst said: "Supplying a kitchen at the festival is a great way for us to get involved in this event.

"We don't usually get the opportunity to attend trade shows so we rely on word of mouth and what better way to showcase our quality kitchens than having them on display over the festival weekend."

Other major sponsors of this year's festival include communications giant Vivista, of Bath Road, Chippenham.

The firm provides communications and IT systems for the emergency services, as well as Wiltshire County Council and will be sponsoring the shirts worn by the festival stewards.

Organised by North Wiltshire District Council, the North Wiltshire Festival celebrates the diversity of business, community and leisure in the area.

A business village will showcase dozens of local companies, while a community village will highlight the work of local authorities and voluntary groups across the district.

The River Avon will be the setting for a programme of river activities, such as boat rides and a drama presentation.

A programme of bands and other

musical acts are scheduled throughout the two days, culminating in a giant concert and firework display on

Saturday evening.

A host of local bands and performers will be using the festival to strut their stuff in front of a huge audience.

Halle Bop will be injecting the sounds of the 1950s, while Wham Duran will be recreating the sounds of the 1980s, while a variety of other local bands will be providing everything from country to rock music.

Headlining the event on Saturday evening will be top Abba tribute band Bjorn Again.

In addition to the main stage, two smaller stages in Monkton Park will be used for a host of live demonstrations and events, including a business breakfast.

The festival will also include two beer tents and a farmers' market and plans are now underway for Moonraker Radio to run a special festival radio station throughout the event.

Three outstanding sponsorship deals are still available.

For more information contact the festival organisers on (01249) 706534.