THIS weekend’s Family Festival for Stand Up To Cancer is set to be a success thanks to the generosity of the Helensburgh and Lomond community.

Although organised and run by the Cancer Research UK Shop in Sinclair Street, the event – a new addition to the local Stand Up To Cancer campaign – has been helped by local businesses, groups and residents who have offered their help, whether it be with donations of money, time, items or advice.

The festival has involved four months of planning and is set to takes place at the Helensburgh Rugby and Cricket Club on Sunday, September 24 from 12-5pm.

The festival for all ages is set to feature live music from SheBoom, who recently played Pride London and Pride Glasgow, and Louis Page, a local 14-year-old who has taken to the stage at the Belladrum festival. Also performing are Crowded Croft and Helensburgh Rock Choir.

Children’s entertainment on the day will feature the Drakes of Hazzard Sheepdog Display, donated by owner Mark Wylie, and arts and crafts donated by the Creation Station.

Sponsorship from Arnold Clark, Riding’s Sawmill in Cardross, Helensburgh Round Table and resident Janet Kennedy covered the cost of other children’s entertainment and stage hire.

Organiser Alison Sturgeon, said: “We are very excited to have the Animal Man Mini Zoo, Inflatable Assault Course and Sumo Suits, a Juggling Stilt-Walker and Nudge puppet show.

“The Rugby and Cricket Club are organising kids run around type games and family races throughout the afternoon, they will also be running their Club Bar.

“Our shop team, led by manager Mark Cavana, and I are keen for this to be a successful event and we think we have an excellent chance of making this a fun afternoon out for everyone and to raise a lot of money for Stand Up To Cancer.”

Most of the activities will take place in marquees and the clubhouse so the weather shouldn’t spoil the festivities.

Alison extended their thanks to McCune, Callaghan and Sommerville Butchers, who are donating food for the barbecue, Speedy Hire, for the use of their generator, Lomond School for the use of their car park, members of the Trossachs Search and Rescue and Helensburgh First responders who are donating first aid cover, Mo King Rugby Club Treasurer, Jon and Holly for their hard work, Paul Blackburn of Helensburgh Football Club for offering his help,Allan and Lauren Cavana from Admin Systems, Duncan Reid and other members of the Helensburgh Roundtable, James Windebank for his help, Jonathan Trayte and Gordon Black of the Rhu and Shandon Gala Committee and the Helensburgh and Rugby Club committee for helping to run the festival.

Alison said: “This isn’t just a Helensburgh event, it’s a whole area effort. We have had offers of support from Kilcreggan to Cardross and beyond.

“Everyone immediately engaged with what we are trying to achieve. There will be a lot going on that day and we would like to invite everyone from Helensburgh and the surrounding areas to Stand Up To Cancer with us.”

The event will run on Sunday, September 24 from 12-5pm. Tickets are priced Entry is £5 for adults, £3.50 for children and under 3’s go free. A family ticket is £15 and includes two adults and up to three children.

For more information call Mark or Alison on 01436 674547 or drop by the shop on Sinclair Street.