LEIGH'S biggest fun event for years is planned for splashdown between September 4-7.

Leigh Festival and Canal Rally is being launched with a £25,000 sponsorship splash and festival village plans by Leigh Business Partnership.

Traders' chairman Gordon Jackson is now inviting business leaders to make a £100 donation to a 100 Club patrons' package to boost the fun week plans.

He said:"For £100 members become a patron of the festival and will receive a special package including a choice of tickets for evening concerts, show programme advertising and much more."

A festival village on the banks of the canal will cater for concerts and trade fairs.

A main marquee, craft fair and trade and sponsors' accommodation will be set-up on the former cable works' car park in West Bridgewater Street.

Events will include a six-a-side soccer competition, women's and men's darts tournaments, craft fair, fun fair, concerts and bridal and fashion shows.

Waterway fun and games being staged by the boat people include what promises to be an intriguing narrow boat tug o'war.

Event co-ordinator Alan Jones said:"This will be the biggest attraction seen in Leigh for many a year.

"We have received sponsorship from town centre manager John Ayres as well as support from Wigan Council.

"We need all local businesses to become involved. This will be a very high profile event for Leigh and district - helping to put the pride back into the town."

With the help of The Journal, Wish FM radio and an extensive promotional and advertising campaign, the organisers are looking forward to attracting tens of thousands of people.

Traders interested in exhibiting with a pagoda marquee of their own should call the trade hot line 01204 42990.

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