THE final rehearsals have taken place, The Universal Soldier is in town, and a vast array of props, from banner flags to hobby horses, have been created by Knutsfordians ready for Saturday's Knutsford Promenades.

The Knutsford Promenades starts at 3pm outside The Old Town Hall when Russell Kirk, creator of The Universal Soldier and a band of helpers, will bring the puppet to life.

Accompanied by a wide range of Promenaders - some primary school children with the flotilla of small ships they created during special workshops, others riding their hobby horses; nurses and members of the Women's League carrying cups of tea; and banner flag wavers - The Universal Soldier will launch the first event, a performance of 'Texts from the Front'.

Taking place in St John's Church, this original mini-opera is based on memories of local people on the theme of conflict and reconciliation transformed by children from Bexton, Egerton and Manor Park Primary Schools and created by Manchester Camerata.

From there the action moves along Princess Street, Silk Mill Street and Regent Street where the mini-dramas are performed interspersed with music and song from Knutsford Youth Orchestra, SMB Dance, The Tatton Singers, WAKS Lyrical and Spitting Feathers.

In the evening, the finale starts when The Universal Soldier ‘marches’ to Canute Place at 6.30pm. There will be a reprise of the afternoon's entertainment as well as music from Roberts Bakery Band followed by the ‘Knutsford Reflects’ finale.

"We are delighted to be welcoming some very special guests to Knutsford on Saturday," said Sarah Flannery, co-organiser.

"But above all we want the people of Knutsford to enjoy this community street festival which is free to all to attend, suitable for all ages, with 350 people taking part!"

Canute Place and Princess Street will be closed from 8am on Saturday to allow Event Buddha to set up two stages.

The Silk Mill Street and Princess Street car parks will not be accessible but the Knutsford Scouts, by kind permission of Tatton Estate, will be running an overflow car park on the big Heath from 12.30pm.

"We hope businesses are 'Proms ready' and will be making the most of supporting the Promenades by dressing their premises, putting extra chairs and tables outside their premises, and generally offering visitors a very warm welcome," said Sarah.