ANOTHER dose of festival fever is set to hit Ramsbottom – but this time it might not expand the waistlines of visitors.

Black puddings, pies, chocolate and tunes (with plenty of ales and nibbles) have all helped to put the Valley town on the map in recent years.

And now church leaders at St Paul’s, in Bridge Street, are hoping to revive a long-forgotten tradition and stage a flower festival.

Church spokesman Joyce Wild said it has been nearly 30 years since the congregation decked the 160-year-old St Paul’s with a variety of blooms and hanging baskets.

She said: “Our aim is to portray in flowers the many varied facets of life in Ramsbottom and we’re asking local businesses, organisations and individuals to join with us in a celebration of our colourful and vibrant community.

“In particular, we’re looking for striking and unique floral arrangements that make a statement about who those businesses, organisations or indivduals are, and the part they play in making Ramsbottom the exciting place to live, to work and to visit that it is today.”

The three-day festival, under the banner of Ramsbottom Life In Bloom, has been earmarked for June 27 to 29 and promoters are now on the lookout for exhibitors.

Three local florists have pledged to help out anyone who wants to take part. The deadline for entries is May 31.

St Paul’s will be open on the Friday and Saturday of the festival and a thanksgiving service has been arranged for the Sunday, after which the final session of the event will take place from 1pm. Floral paintings composed by local primary school children will be showcased.

People interested in the festival or having a floral arrangement can contact Joyce Wild on 01204 886047 or 07561 127882 o they ottom@aol.com.