FOR three days in August, Prescot Town Centre will be packed with nonsense, chaos and capers as the Serious Nonsense Festival once again takes over the town.

The festival, which attracted more than 15,000 people in its first year in 2022, celebrates Knowsley’s fascinating connections to Edward Lear, who lived at Knowsley Hall for many years and was best-known for his literary nonsense.

This year’s three-day festival is set to be even bigger and better with music, poetry, film, acrobatic displays and so much more!

The full programme has been revealed and tickets are available to book now.

The festival kicks off on Friday, August 11, with a whole day of free workshops at Shakespeare North Playhouse, to celebrate 50 years of Hip Hop.

Across the rest of the weekend, there’ll be plenty more music to dance and sing along to, be amazed by the acrobatic skills of Black Eagles, have your fortune told by Madam Zsa Zsa, get up close with life-like dinosaurs and look out for the giant cheeky kangaroos.

READ > New plans to refurbish pub which has been closed for 3 years

And children will once again have the opportunity to venture inside the belly of a huge inflatable whale.

There will be a packed programme of shows at Shakespeare North Playhouse, including family entertainment, poetry readings from award-winning poets and Tales from the Vicarage with Reverend Richard Coles and special guest Lady Anne Dodd.

The majority of entertainment is free and the ticketed shows at Shakespeare North Playhouse are all ‘Pay What You Decide’.

St Helens Star: The festival will be held in AugustThe festival will be held in August (Image: Knowsley Council)

Cllr Graham Morgan, leader of Knowsley Council said: “Last year’s festival was such a great success, with so many people getting involved and visiting Prescot. This year’s programme looks just as exciting and varied, with something for everyone to enjoy.

There are some well-known names taking part in the festival as well as some quirky and unusual acts and performances across the entire weekend.

It’s a great way for us to celebrate Knowsley’s links to Edward Lear and once again celebrate all that Prescot has to offer.”

You can view the full programme and book tickets here.

The Serious Nonsense Festival has been funded by Knowsley Council, Arts Council England, Prescot High Street Heritage Action Zone and UKSPF. The event will be supported by the Prescot Cultural Consortium, Shakespeare North Playhouse, Imaginarium Theatre and Milap. This year’s event will be programmed and produced by Walk the Plank – one of the UK’s leading outdoor arts specialists.