RESIDENTS in a Hampshire village are set to celebrate a popular festival in style.

Worthys Festival which is now in its third year will run from September 19-27 and will see nine days entertainment and activities.

More than 5,000 people are expected to turn out for the event in Kings Worthy near Winchester.

This year the new additions will include a fruit, flower and produce school for budding gardeners, bakers and jam bakers which will also include special classes for youngsters.

Jane Rutter, chairman of Worthys Festival Steering Group, said: “It is going to be hugely exciting and great fun and the wonderful thing about the festival it is a community event and the whole community gets behind it.”

Throughout the festival vintage buses provided by King Alfred’s Buses will be running a free service to and from Church Green around the village.

Some of the activities and events include a football festival, a music festival featuring 19 local bands, a beer festival, food festival, a dog show, an arts and crafts fair and even a Worthy’s Got Talent competition.

Various groups in the village will also be getting in on the action and showcasing their work, including Worthy Local History Group who will hold a guided walk on September 20 from 2pm.

While St Mary’s Church will hold a thanksgiving service on September 20 at 10am to thank those who are taking part in the festival and organising it.

The festival will kick off in style as the WI group who are celebrating their centenary year, will hold a coffee morning at the church hall in Fraser Road at 10.30am.

The day will continue with family fun day on September 19, which will run from 2pm to 6pm and will feature a variety of fun-filled activities for children including a teacup ride, a children’s trail and traditional games.

While an action packed Friday evening (September 25) will see a food festival and entertainment by a live big band.

The final weekend will see most events taking place at Eversley Park including the popular festival championship run on September 26 from 2pm, a swap and swish event from 11am to 1pm and a flower and produce show on September 27 from 11.30am to 4pm To find out more about the activities and dates, visit worthysfestival.com