THE Knutsford Promenades comes to town on Saturday, July 4, as the towering presence of The Universal Soldier brings to life the stunning arts and heritage-based street festival.

More than 350 performers, singers, musicians, dancers and artists, led by The Universal Soldier, a giant puppet, will take to the town's Princess Street and Canute Place.

Now in its third year, the theme for Knutsford Promenades 2015 is 'Texts from the Front', bringing memories and stories about Knutsford’s association with conflict and reconciliation across time to life through dance, drama, music, puppetry and visual arts.

"The Knutsford Promenades team has worked hard for the past year on researching memories and stories relating to conflict, commissioning new pieces of theatre and song, and working with a wide range of groups and individuals to bring together 'Texts from the Front', said founder and co-organiser Sarah Flannery.

"We've a packed schedule for Saturday: more than a dozen high-quality performance pieces throughout the afternoon and evening, all linked by the theme 'Texts from the Front'.

"There's something to appeal to people of all ages, it's a family-friendly event, and it's free to all to attend."

The Promenades will be led by The Universal Soldier, a giant puppet created by renowned Chester-based artist and puppeteer Russell Kirk, who will journey through time and place in his role as master of ceremonies moving along Princess Street during the afternoon and into Canute Place for the evening finale.

Professional artists and arts organisations, community choirs and local performing arts groups are amongst those making up the cast.

A hundred Knutsford primary school children have worked with the world-famous Manchester Camerata to produce a mini opera while Knutsford Academy pupils will present 'A Swift Half', featuring tales told by Knutsfordians across the bar of the White Bear during WWII.

"The 'Text from the Front' theme has inspired new plays to be written as well as original songs and music to be composed, including The Tatton Singers working with their musical director John Powell, and Sideways Arts who have written three new folk songs," said co-organiser Robert Meadows.

"Inspiration for the new music and new plays, including 'The Trumpet Major', 'Radio Wartime Tatton' and 'The Donut Cafe' came from the memories of local people who were interviewed by a team of researchers."

As KP2015 has developed in terms of scale and quality, the level of support has also grown.

"We are grateful to Arts Council England, Cheshire East Council, Knutsford Town Council, Knutsford Reflects and Peaks and Plains Housing, and our generous sponsors, local businesses, organisations and key supporters - it is thanks to their backing that we've been able to create this significant arts and heritage-based street festival as a destination event that’s free to all," said Sarah.

"We want as many people as possible to come along and enjoy the Promenades. The afternoon starts at 3pm, the evening starts at 6.30pm and the finale will top the day off! There will be parking on the large Heath to cater for visitors."

Full details can be found on the website knutsfordpromenades.co.uk