The Sandwich Festival struck on a winning formula years ago and has drawn families to the town ever since. Chris Price reports.

It comes around as regular as clockwork and has the same stuff going on each year, but the Sandwich Festival is proof that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

The festival’s iconic image is that of children tearing down the streets to earn their tucker in the Bun Run from St Bart’s Chapel but there are a host of things going on during the nine-day event, from fashion shows to cinema evenings and wine tasting.

Highlights include two concerts at St Mary’s Church and an art exhibition at the Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory, which runs throughout the festival.

There is the barn dance in Market Street on Saturday, August 27, with music from Smalltown Romance and caller Sue Hudson. Plus the illuminated boat parade on the Stour which starts from Gazen Salts Nature Reserve at 9.30pm on the same night and passes the Quay.

The motorcycle meet is another of the festival’s most famous traditions. Bikers and curious onlookers alike can stroll up and admire the mean machinery on the Sandwich Guildhall forecourt on Sunday, August 28.

The same day there is a full programme of family entertainment on the Quay Green. It includes a bouncy castle, face painting and plate spinning. Dads and grandads from across the county will drool at the class car collection on the Quay Green on August Bank Holiday Monday, hosted by the Ramsgate Old Motor and Motorcycle Club. This will be followed by jazz from 2.30pm on the Gazen Salts from the likes of the Andy Maclean Band and Hullabaloo before a fireworks finale.

The festival kicks off on Sunday, August 21, with the 10k road race and fun run starting at the Quay Green at 10am. Entrance fees are the10k £10 and fun run £5. Those feeling a little less energetic can soak up the atmosphere at Music In The Garden, an informal session at Stuart House on Delf Street with the Becker Palm Court Trio. Admission £7.50.

A match between Sandwich Town Cricket Club and PCA Masters at The Butts takes place on Wednesday, August 24. There are three more matches on Saturday, August 27.

On Thursday, August 25, the Sandwich Market takes place on the Guildhall Forecourt from 9am to 1pm, as it does every week.

Then from 2.30pm historian Peter Ewart, will lead the Ash Heritage Group on a walk of the village looking at some of the buildings on the street and talking about the history behind them. It starts at the car park opposite the Chequers Inn, Ash. It costs £5. Call 01227 720835.

The flagship music event on Thursday is the concert by the Becker Symphony Orchestra. The programme at St Mary’s Church includes Schumann’s Symphony No 3 in E flat, J and Dives and Lazarus. Tickets £15, include a glass of wine.

On Friday 26, St Mary’s hosts the choir Cantabile and accordion group Quetsch Quartett from the south Germany. Tickets £10, children £5.

Yes the Sandwich Festival follows the same pattern every year but we wouldn’t change it for the world.

The Sandwich Festival runs from Sunday, August 21 to Bank Holiday Monday. All events are free unless stated. Details on 01304 613565 or at www.sandwichfestival.org.uk