CELEBRATIONS to mark the 150th anniversary at St Margaret's Church in Prestwich will come to a close in style this weekend.

Parishioners have been in party mode for more than 12 months as various important dates in the church's history have been remembered.

A special service was held in October, 1999, to mark the laying of the foundation stone 150 years previously by the Duchess of Cambridge, the Queen's great-great-grandmother.

Last year festivities really got going with the launch of birthday celebrations to remember the church's first-ever service on October 26, 1851.

For some reason the dedication of the church did not occur until five months later on March 18, 1852, so today's parishioners decided to celebrate the two milestones with events in between, such as concerts, arts and craft exhibitions and church services.

This weekend marks the end of the celebrations and a festival Eucharist will be held on Sunday, (March 17) at 9.45am with the Bishop of York, Dr David Hope, as special guest.

An arts and crafts festival will be held throughout the weekend, from 11am today (Friday March 15), and will feature exhibitions by parishioners such as lace-making, rag rug making, embroidery, painting and woodwork.

There will be working demonstrations for visitors to see and special attractions will include paintings by Yorkshire artist Graeme Willson, who was commissioned to create some major pieces of work for the church following its fire in 1985.

The fire destroyed the Lady Chapel and caused extensive damage to the rest of the building resulting in its closure for 18 months while restoration work was carried out.

Also on display will be paintings by Scottish artist Irene Halliday, who has carried out recent commissions for churches in the diocese, and a new organ will be played during the festival.

The festival will be open in the church and hall from 11am to 8pm today, 11am to 5pm tomorrow (Sat March 16) and from 11am to 4pm on Sunday.

Everyone is welcome to join in the festivities and refreshments will be available.