HELICOPTOR rides, an American wrestling show and a funfair are coming to Churchstoke this weekend to raise money for local good causes.

Organised by the Midcounties Co-operative, Churchstoke Fun Day on August 4 is now in its 24th year and will see even more activities and live shows for local families to enjoy at the Country Park behind Churchstoke Shopping Centre, including exhilarating performances by the Stannage International Stunt Display Team, Paws for Thought Dog Display Team and a BMX show.

In addition, residents will also be able to try their hand at falconry, enjoy donkey rides and explore an extensive food offering to cater for all tastes, while children will have the chance to meet some of their favourite television characters.

There will also be a sustainability marquee, where The Midcounties Co-operative’s Environmental Ambassador and environmental campaigner Cal Major will be leading an eco-brick workshop, as well as showing visitors how they can make their own compostable windmill, eco-badges and design their own cotton bag.

Attendees can find out more about The Midcounties Co-operative’s 1Change campaign, which highlights the small everyday changes shoppers can make, including using a bag-for-life or reusable cups for hot drinks, that together can have a huge impact in reducing consumption of single-use plastics.

All proceeds raised on the day will be distributed to local good causes. Since 2015, the Churchstoke Fun Day has raised more than £100,000, which has helped over 400 local community groups.

Matt Windridge, Head of Supermarket Operations at The Midcounties Co-operative, said: “The Churchstoke Fun Day is a great way to bring people of all ages and background together, including our colleagues and members, and the community groups we support.

“Each year we try to add in more activities to entertain visitors, and we’re really looking forward to seeing the stunt display and dog display teams. We’ve also got a host of exciting activities focussing on sustainability that we’re sure people will love, and hope will also have a positive long-term impact on the environment.”

The Churchstoke Fun Day forms part of The Midcounties Co-operative’s Regional Communities strategy, which sees members and colleagues come together to provide impactful and sustainable support for local community groups through volunteering and fundraising initiatives.