Portuguese VIPs will be in Grantham next weekend as the town hosts its first Portuguese-English Festival on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 June.

Portuguese Consulate General Jorge Cruz will attend on behalf of the country's UK Ambassador along with two members of the Portuguese Confederation of Culture and Sport, Veladimiro Castilho Matos and Anabela Henriques Lanca.

They will meet SKDC Chairman, Cllr Jacky Smith, as well as extend their friendship to local people and visitors.

Cllr Smith said: "We know our residents are always interested in learning about other cultures and ways of life.

"This event will make the town proud and I hope that people from all over the district will be able to come and join in the festivities.

"I am pleased to welcome our special guests from Portugal and look forward to strengthening our bonds and celebrating the heritage of both countries in this friendly setting."

Festival-goers will be treated to musical and gastronomic treats as well as entertainment for young and old.

Activities will include traditional music and dance, food and drink, as well as funfair rides, face painting, and entertainment for children.

Local restaurants are also involved in the festivities.

Already booked are traditional Portuguese food stands, pastry sellers, a barbecue and a Portuguese gin bar.

Events will centre on St Peter's Hill with additional entertainment in the Market Place.

The family fun will stretch into the evening with live music onstage.

The event is hosted by South Kesteven District Council and its economic growth and regeneration company, InvestSK, with PT Connections - a community interest company which supports Portuguese nationals in the UK.

Solo performers Rui Bandeira and Monica Sintra will be supported by fellow musicians Joana Lobo Anta and Natalia Cerqueira, with local bands Chasing Embers, 23 Reasons, Alex Cavan and Naturally Sourced, plus swing band Hi Rollers and 1940s act Peter Wayne.

The event opens at 10am both days and ends at 10pm on the Saturday and 8pm on the Sunday.

Saturday main stage entertainment: (times subject to change)

Pete Wayre: 3.45pm - 4.45pm

Hi Boys Trio: 6.15pm - 7.45pm

Chasing Embers: 12.30pm - 2pm

Joana Lobo: 3.45pm - 4.45pm

Rui Bandeira: 6.45pm - 8pm

To find out more click on the red button below.

Photo 1: Monica Sintra