FAMILIES, garden lovers, music enthusiasts and anyone looking to have a great Bank Holiday weekend are invited to enjoy the Cropthorne Walkabout.

The Walkabout, in its 44th year is taking place on Sunday 5 and Monday 6 May. The Walkabout is offering even more for 2019 - live entertainment throughout the village, activities for children and young people and of course those visitors, many returning each year, who come to see the fabulous gardens around the village.

This year the main venues have grown in number The Village Hall and Sheppey, the Church and Churchyard, Cropthorne with Charlton First School and Holland House.

All venues will be offering live entertainment across the two days many local performers ranging from ukulele bands, vocalists, Morris Men and folk singers.

A range of outside stalls will feature on the Sheppey and Village Hall, providing an opportunity for local craft and gift producers to showcase their skills and expertise.

The local public house The Bell will be offering refreshments many locally brewed. Pimm’s and Prosecco will feature in the churchyard and there will be watering stations in all of the venues so visitors drawn to the gardens can stop for a “tipple” as they enjoy the village.

A courtesy mini bus will be available each day providing transport between the Sheppey, the Steam Railway, Holland house and back to the parking area.

This event has been in the planning stages since the last Walkabout ended in 2018. £14,000 was raised on that occasion providing funds for the upkeep of the church, the local Scout group, Charlton Pre-School, the Rainbows and Brownies, WI, Pershore Round Table and helping with the Restoration of Charlton school room.

All aspects of the Cropthorne Walkabout are run by volunteers.