IT is finally upon us — the 16th annual Hatherleigh Festival is here, with arguably the strongest programme of events for the festival ever kicking off today (Thursday).

The festival, which runs until July 31, will provide four days of music, workshops, exhibitions, sports and dance. Most of the events are free.

Events kick off at the community centre with a children's circus workshop. The children involved can then take part in the festival opening parade, showing off their newly acquired circus skills.

The parade will be led from the community centre through the town to the square by the town crier, and accompanied by Hatherleigh Silver Band. Children wishing to take part are asked to meet at the community centre at 6.30pm.

Hatherleigh Silver Band will continue to play in the square until 8pm. The live music continues throughout the evening, with folk musician Edd Lane, and sea-shanty singers Mariners Away touring the three pubs of Hatherleigh. Both acts will be playing for beer, so feel free to buy them all a pint and join in a fun night of music.

On July 29 the fun continues, with a 'messy play' session for under 5s, animation and pin-cushion workshops, and fencing and orienteering sessions taking place at the community centre throughout the day.

The evening schedule for Friday is even more cram-packed than the daytime line-up.

Hatherleigh Methodist Church will play host to a wondrous evening of comic songs from Flanders and Swann, courtesy of Roger Clevedon from 7.30pm.

Top tribute act the Take That Experience will play at the community centre from 8pm, playing all the great Take That hits. Tickets cost £10. This is one of the two main fundraising events for the festival to help keep the majority of events free.

The square will play host to a night of free music from 8pm, with rapper Zuby, rock band I'm in Love and the unique sound of party band Killamonjambo.

On Saturday July 30, stool making, embroidery, image printing, street dance and musical instruments are the order of the day in a series of fun workshops.

The square will be home to the street market and premiere viewing of 'My Hatherleigh', a documentary film shot and produced by the young people of the town.

Saturday's music starts in the square at 2pm with bluegrass band the Hog Ranch, and continues throughout the day with Rob, Dave and Izzy, Josie Lloyd, the Ten Five Sixty, Century Man and Black Friday. There will also be juggling and comedy from Dan the Hat.

The festival draws to a close on Sunday July 31. St John the Baptist Church, Hatherleigh Methodist Church and the Vine Church are holding a combined service in the square from 11am, with singing from St Thomas Gospel Choir.

Hatherleigh's Young Players will put on an afternoon performance of Winnie the Pooh and there will be an organ recital, with works from the recent royal wedding.

The festival ends with one-man show Two Halves of Guinness, a touching and insightful portrayal of one of Britain's greatest ever actors, Sir Alec Guinness.

Like the Take That Experience, the event is raising funds to help keep the festival free. There are plenty of tickets left, each costing £10. Organisers are keen for people to support the festival by coming to watch the engaging and fascinating play.

For further details on each event and to book places at the various workshops, visit http://www.hatherleighfestival.co.uk">www.hatherleighfestival.co.uk