A music festival ‘unlike anything Wilmslow has seen before’ will be held this summer.

Wilmslow Music Festival is set to be the biggest extravaganza of the town’s musical talent.

The Express can now reveal details of the family-friendly music event which will feature acts from around the town.

It will take place on the weekend of the Wilmslow Show at Wilmslow High School and aims to pull in thousands of visitors.

Organisers have signed up enough Wilmslow musicians to fill the line-up and say residents will be impressed by the range of talent the town has to offer.

They say it’s exactly what the town needs to put it on the map – at a time when events such as the Artisan Market and Wilmslow Motor Show have been going strong.

Catherine Mackenzie, of Mackenzie Marketing, a committee member and chairman of Wilmslow Business Group, said: “These events have been hugely successful and just go to show the enthusiasm for this type of community event in Wilmslow.

“Wilmslow Music Festival will bring people in and is exactly the thing to help businesses.”

The festival is the brainchild of Frank McCarthy, chairman of the Wilmslow Show which is in its 101st year.

He felt the town could make more of the show and teamed up with John Mills, semi-retired marketing manager of Wilmslow Symphony Orchestra, who says the plans spiralled.

Frank said: “Over the last few years the Wilmslow Show has grown.

“In 2011 we had over 7,000 visitors but unfortunately we had to cancel the show in 2012 because of the terrible weather.

“But we’re looking forward to this year’s show which will be even bigger and better.

“I’ve felt the show could be extended to include other events to bring Wilmslow together and decided 2013 was the year to introduce Wilmslow Music Festival.”

Confirmed performers include Alderley and Wilmslow Musical Theatre Company, Barnby Choir, Cheshire A Cappella, Chordiale, Clare Howell, Ian Tatlock, Lacey Green Primary School Steel Band, Lindow Singers, Lionel Daniels, Sotto Voce, TEMPO, Wilmslow High School Band and choir.

Denise Valente, co-director of Artisan Market, is organising a food market with Wilmslow traders, restaurants and bars.

John Mills, festival chairman, said: “The festival will celebrate Wilmslow’s home-grown musical talent.

“There will be three stages in the grounds of the high school, each showcasing different local groups and soloists.

“We’re delighted with the current line-up and there are more acts to be confirmed.

“We want the evening to offer something for everyone – from choirs to rock bands.

“We’re working with the town council which is organising the Party in the Park at The Carrs in June, so together we can provide Wilmslow with a summer to remember.”

After costs, remaining funds will be split between the performers, who will sell tickets and receive 25 per cent.

Wilmslow Music Festival is on Friday, July 12, from 6.30pm to 10.30pm, ahead of the Wilmslow Show on Sunday, July 14.

Tickets are available at wilmslowmusicfestival.com or via the performers.