THE picturesque riverside village of Fladbury will continue a long tradition of opening the village to visitors next weekend.

Fladbury Walkabout has its origins in a church flower festival and was the first of the Vale villages to welcome visitors to its private gardens.

This year, between noon and 6pm on Saturday and Sunday, July 9 and 10, 20 of the most spectacular gardens will combine with the best traditions of a village fete, with cake, jam, fair trade, plant, white elephant and plant stalls to complement the renowned floral displays in the church of St John the Baptist.

Visitors can also take in the art exhibition, listen to brass and jazz bands and enjoy lunches, cream teas and ices at the village hall and various gardens.

Of particular interest will be a display of static engines at Fladbury Mill, which powered the first electric street lighting, together with the opportunity to cross the River Avon via the old wire ferry for hidden views of the weir, lock, riverside walk, wildlife and Cropthorne Mill.

Walkabout chairman Andy Parsloe said: "We're delighted that in recent years we have seen the return of river boat trips to the festivities, complementing the shire horse drawn cart rides and display of vintage cars.

Visitors can also enjoy morris and clog dancers outside the village hostelries and there is entertainment for children and a family fun run on Sunday afternoon."

To mark the centenary of the village hall, a special photographic exhibition is being staged.

A full peal of the church bells to commemorate VE Day will be rung on Sunday afternoon before the walkabout church service.

Entry costs £3, children 50p, car parking is free with transport provided to the village centre.