WISBECH has got talent and it will be more than evident at this year s Rose Fair which has seen community spirit bloom to make it better than ever. For more than 45 years the event has brought visitors into the town from all over the country. Now it can b

WISBECH has got talent and it will be more than evident at this year's Rose Fair which has seen community spirit bloom to make it better than ever.

For more than 45 years the event has brought visitors into the town from all over the country. Now it can boast that it is one of the best in Britain which displays British flowers.

From July 1-4 the town will be transformed for the fair which puts Wisbech well and truly on the map.

As well as raising huge amounts of money for the upkeep of the imposing St Peter's and St Paul's Church, the original purpose of the event, the fair brings together all churches in the town and highlights their wealth of ecclesiastical merit.

The theme of the floral displays in St Peter's church is "Time and Tide". Set in beautiful gardens, the church will be surrounded by a wide variety of stalls selling local produce, cakes, plants, crafts, gifts and bric-a-brac.

The whole community from pre-school to pensioners will be involved in the colourful parade with a theme of Groups and Music through the Ages. As usual it will be headed by the Rose Queen and her attendants.

Bookings for teas and lunches have really taken off this year after organisers contacted more than 1,000 coach companies. Wonderful local strawberries will be a sweet treat for those having lunch or tea.

What's on and where?

NORFOLK STREET will be bustling with a Fun Day being held on the Saturday complete with lots of stalls, games, face painting, and refreshments. Outside the post office at 1pm visitors can watch a magic show and during the day youngsters from local schools will be singing and dancing. ELGOODS BREWERY and Gardens will be open during Rose Fair Week on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9.15an to 4.30pm. There will be ample free parking all day and the Park and Ride bus every half hour from around 9.40am.

Brewery tours start at 2pm followed by a tasting of prize winning beers. Cost is adults and children over eight years �6 per person which includes access to the garden. Attractions in the gardens include 200 year old trees, a lake, pond dipping, and a maze. Tickets for the garden only cost �3 or �2.50 concessions. The garden is wheelchair friendly.

Light lunches will be served along with delicious home-made cakes, and tea and coffee. There will be a licensed bar, gift shop and plants for sale.

ST PETER'S CHURCH will be open throughout the event until 8pm most evenings.

There will be a special preview evening on Tuesday June 30 from 7.30-9pm for people to view the stunning floral displays. Music will be provided by Jazzmin Dixieland Band and entry is free. There will be Choral Evensong from Wednesday to Saturday at 4.30pm and a civic service on the Sunday at 10am. WISBECH BAPTIST CHURCH, Hill Street. Theme of flower displays is "Our Time in his Hands". Open Wednesday to Saturday 10am-5pm. Light refreshments, admission is free.

UNITED REFORMED CHURCH, Castle Square

Theme for displays is "Biblical".

Open Wednesday to Friday 11am-4pm, Saturday 9.30am-44pm followed by Epilogue on Saturday 4.15-4.45pm. Organ music featuring visiting organists daily. Bric-a-brac and books for sale. TRINITY METHODIST CHURCH, Church Terrace.

Theme for displays is "Children's Story Books". Open Wednesday to Saturday 9am-5pm. Souvenirs, crafts, and cards for sale. Light lunches available, bookings on 01945 871516.

HORSEFAIR SHOPPING CENTRE

The work of 20 local artists in shop windows in the centre. Youngsters wile b encouraged to find the pictures and gather information next to them.

PARK and RIDE

An extensive park and ride service will run thus year with an extra bus on the Saturday.

The low floor buses will have easy access for buggies and wheelchairs. Fares are adults �2 return (concessions apply), children ride free.

The buses will stop at Rain bow car park, Elgoods Brewery, Church Terrace for

St Peter's Church, Chapel Road for Peckover House, Octavia Hill's Birthplace House.

The layout of Church Terrace Car Park has been changed this year and there will be no through access for cars. Public access will be from the Alexander Road entrance. Extra toilets will be placed next to the existing facilities. An exhibition of historical classic vehicles will be in the car park.