BIG oaks from little acorns grow! Two years ago, John Waite, then chairman of Heswall Chamber of Trade, proposed the idea of a Heswall Festival.

Now Heswall is getting ready for that festival, starting on Saturday, July 4. It is going to be a big event to celebrate the town's past, present and future and lasts until July 11, with local people encouraged to take part.

Many of the town's older residents will recall Heswall Horse and Agricultural Society Show. Heswall Festival '98 will be a modern day version with all kinds of attractions, starting with a big parade of decorated floats to be judged by the new Mayor of Wirral, Councillor Margaret Green.

On the first Saturday, numerous events will be taking place on Puddydale, Telegraph Road, as part of Heswall Scouts and Guides' Fun Day.

Fun Day programmes are being sold in advance locally for £1 and the festival programme offers readers the chance to win prizes, including a weekend for two in Paris from Corniche Travel, keep-fit classes at Physical Fitness Studios, an Ian Henry hair-do, meal for two at What's Cooking and Marks and Spencer vouchers.

On Sunday, July 5, there will be a united churches service, plus a charity wheelbarrow race from the Sandon Arms. Monday night will be music night at Heswall Hall with the Heswall Concert Band, Wirral Singers and the Salvation Army Band.

On Monday, July 6, the Inner Wheel of Heswall will host a coffee morning in Heswall Hall. Ring 342-7582 for details, and we understand a health and fitness adviser will be on hand to give advice. At lunchtime on that day, there will be an organ recital at Heswall Methodist Church, with piano recitals scheduled for later in the week.

Tuesday attractions include line dancing in Alexander Hall at 2.30pm and tap dancing in the morning.

Heswall Drama Festival takes place at Heswall Hall on Friday evening, July 10. Tickets are available from Dee Fine Arts, Linghams and Goulds.

Jenny McDonald, chairman of Heswall Society, says she hopes old and new residents of Heswall will support the festival.

Said Anne Gould, chairman of Heswall District Chamber of Trade: "This festival deserves to do well because all of those involved are committed to Heswall and the town's future as a nice place to live, work and shop."

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.