The straw is once more the draw in Magherafelt when the town’s annual festival takes place next month (Saturday 6 June).

Up to a dozen ‘straw people’ are expected to be on show during the festival’s community carnival parade through the town centre, with an exhibition of all the straw creations, entertainment, food and craft stalls on offer during the afternoon at Meadowbank Sports Arena.

All of the straw characters are being designed by local community-based groups for the event which is organised by Mid Ulster District Council.

The Straw Festival takes place on Saturday 6 June, beginning with the community carnival parade at 1pm from Magherafelt High School and finishing at Meadowbank Sports Arena with a family fun day and prizes for the best straw creations. Entertainment will continue on site until 5pm and admission is £1.

For further information on the Straw Festival, contact Magherafelt Visitor Information centre on 028 7963 1510 or visit http://www.midulstercouncil.org/Things-To-Do/What-s-On/Straw-Festival