FANCY meeting Fenland s own fabulous snooker star, Joe Gentleman Perry? How about watching a breath-taking performance by the best aerial stunt act in Europe? Or would you simply prefer the chance of winning an exciting trip to France on your own priva

FANCY meeting Fenland's own fabulous snooker star, Joe "Gentleman" Perry? How about watching a breath-taking performance by the best aerial stunt act in Europe?

Or would you simply prefer the chance of winning an exciting trip to France on your own private flight for a very special dinner.

Then make a date for Saturday, July 12, when Manea will be hosting one of the most spectacular village galas seen in Cambridgeshire. This is not an idle boast.

Widely regarded as the best free show in the Fens, Manea's 53rd Gala promises to be bigger and better than ever before, with plenty of interest guaranteed for the whole family.

Organisers have again managed to secure the services of a big-name local personality to officially open proceedings at the Park Road Playing Fields. Cue Joe Perry, who captivated millions of sports fans with some brilliant snooker to reach the World Championship semi-finals at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre earlier this year.

The "Fenland Potter" will start the ball rolling at 2pm after the traditional colourful parade of floats and vintage cars through the village (from 12.30pm). And then the fun really begins, with the highlight of a sumptuous afternoon's entertainment being the Vander Brothers' gravity-defying Wheels of Death. The accomplished South Africans, who are featured on YouTube, will enthral spectators just as they have done in the past at such places as Moscow's Red Square and Glastonbury Music Festival, while even the royal family were captivated by this impressive act during the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations.

Motor enthusiasts will be treated to an array of vintage and specialists vehicles, while the Wisbech Motorcyle Club will be doing their stuff with a grand display.

There will be a great variety of stalls, covering such interests as arts and crafts, together with local history, and there will be plenty of refreshments, the ever-popular beer tent, a brilliant barbecue and much, much more.

If that has your taste buds tingling, Manea Gala's main prize draw will feature a first prize of lunch for two in Le Touquet , the upmarket seaside and spa resort in northern France, courtesy of Jane Smith, last year's special guest. The winners will be whisked off on a private flight, thanks to the generosity of local businessman Robert Sears.

The Gala ends at 6pm but the fun continues late into the evening when there will be a disco in the large marquee on the playing fields, as well as a gig by at least one local band. Who needs Amy Winehouse and Glastonbury?