FAMILIES in Horndean, Clanfield and Rowlands Castle can enjoy a day of summer fun followed by a foot-stomping barn dance as a new festival is launched.

The Three Parishes Summer Fayre, due to be held on June 24, will be a traditional country festival packed with activities, displays, food, drink and family fun.

Held at Hazleton Farm, near Horndean, from 11am until 5pm, the festival, organised by East Hampshire District Council, will culminate in a barn dance complete with a live band and caller.

Sara Schillemore, councillor for Horndean, said: “The Three Parishes Summer Fayre is a new event launched by East Hampshire District Council to celebrate everything that’s great about this area.

“Horndean, Rowlands Castle and Clanfield are all vibrant, tight-knit communities full of energy and life – and this event will bring us all together.

“The fayre is free and promises to be a fun day out for the family. Tickets are already on sale for the barn dance which will cap the day off with a real party.”

Among the entertainment on offer will be a packed programme of traditional arena events, including donkey rides, ferret racing, tug-of-war, and bouncy castles.

There will also be plenty of stalls, food, music and beers.

And you can get involved by entering one of a number of competitions, including a pet dog contest, a flower and vegetable show, a cake competition or a photographic challenge.

The barn dance runs from 7.30pm until 11pm with music from the popular live band Squinty McGinty. A limited number of early bird tickets are still available at £8. Tickets on the day will be £10.

To book tickets, call 01730 266551.