The Roald Dahl Festival on Saturday, July 5, is a very special day of family entertainment to celebrate the area's links with the popular children's author.

This year's festival does not aim to disappoint. Aylesbury town centre is expected to be bustling with thousands of people all looking to see and take part in the festivities themed around Dahl's classic tale The Twits.

Nearly 20 primary and secondary schools have been working with local artists over the past few months to create artwork for the day, as well as giant Catalan-style puppets based on characters from the book.

The festival gives everyone involved in the workshops a chance to take part in a spectacular procession through Aylesbury town centre, which leaves the Civic Centre at 11am.

There will be a host of events taking place in Kingsbury during the day, including art and craft activities for children, street theatre and samba music.Nearby, the County Museum and Roald Dahl Children's Gallery will have a fantastic fun day and Aylesbury library offers special reading related activities and opportunities for young people.

Other events include a free activity day at St Mary's Church, a children's book swap shop at the King's Head and a family prize trail in the town centre where there is an opportunity to win some great prizes.

Aylesbury Vale District Council is hosting the festival. The council's cabinet member for leisure, Councillor David Thompson, said he was sure the man himself would be pleased with the day.

"Roald Dahl's books have entertained millions of people over the years", he said. "What better way is there to pay tribute to one of Buckinghamshire's best-loved personalities than holding a festival in his honour?"

For further information on the festival, please visit the council's website at www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/leisure-culture or call 01296 585210.