Now in its twelfth year, the Summer Festival brings together the local community, and visitors from around the city, to Newsham Park for a day of family fun. Andrew Wright reports.

This Saturday (June 24) St Francis of Assisi’s (ASFA) Summer Festival will present live music, sport and workshops.

The festival will again be free to all and filled with activities for young people and families, with live performances, arts and crafts sessions, and stalls offering street food from around the world.

The festival is organised by Lisa Heron, director of progress at ASFA.

The Academy will be opening up its facilities to host parts of the festival, which will also occupy expanses of the park.

ASFA hosts the annual event as part of its is dedication to creating close bonds with the community.

The Kids Zone area will feature a bouncy castle, music and dance workshops, cake craft, and gardening activities.

There will also be a line-up of live music across numerous stages, with ASFA students taking to the professional stage to showcase dance, drama and music skills.

Table tennis, football and other sports will be played across the grounds giving families the opportunity to get active.

Tracey Greenough, head of school at ASFA, says: “The Academy of St Francis of Assisi’s Summer Festival is one of the highlights of the year.

“To see so many families come together to enjoy the Academy’s facilities and the beautiful grounds of Newsham Park is testament to the hard work that is put into organising the event.

“I’m looking forward to enjoying the festival on Saturday and hope to see lots more families join us again this year.”

The festival will take place from 11am to 4pm on Saturday June 24.