AROUND 50,000 people are expected to turn out for the second weekend of the Saltaire Festival, which runs until Sunday evening.

The annual festival, which is in its 21st year, kicked off last Saturday and saw more than 20,000 visitors on its first weekend.

One of the activities that visitors have enjoyed watching at Saltaire FestivalOne of the activities that visitors have enjoyed watching at Saltaire Festival (Image: UGC)

The festival, which features several events, stalls, musical acts, and a Continental Market, takes place in Roberts Park and on many of the streets in and around the World Heritage Site.

“There will be quite a few things going on this weekend," said Ian Andrews-Swailes, chairman of Saltaire Festival.

“We’re expecting around 50,000 visitors this weekend.

“The Continental Market and the fairground will open on Friday and run throughout the weekend.

Artwork on display as part of Saltaire FestivalArtwork on display as part of Saltaire Festival (Image: UGC)

“The first weekend we had street food in the park but the Continental Market this weekend features food, gifts, and crafts from around the world.

“For music, we have two stages and the bandstand,” said Mr Andrews-Swailes.

“The Golden Stage in the Caroline Street car park features music such as swing, jazz, and a brass band.

“We launched it last year and it’s been such a good hit we’ve kept it there.

Some visitors enjoyed the delights of Leeds and Liverpool Canal as part of Saltaire FestivalSome visitors enjoyed the delights of Leeds and Liverpool Canal as part of Saltaire Festival (Image: UGC)

“We also have the stage and bandstand in Roberts Park and there’s a massive mix of local bands and musicians.”

Mr Andrews-Swailes has been pleased with how things have gone since the Saltaire Festival began last Saturday.

Wonder Woman and Batman were just two of the heroes that interacted with children last weekend at Saltaire FestivalWonder Woman and Batman were just two of the heroes that interacted with children last weekend at Saltaire Festival (Image: UGC)

“The first weekend we had heroes Bumblebee, Batman, Spiderman, and Wonder Woman entertaining the children," he said.

“We had our comedy night at Salts Beer Factory on Tuesday and that went down well with people enjoying the six acts on the night.

“We’re very pleased with how it’s gone so far. Everyone’s been enjoying it.

“I just want to say thank you to all our volunteers for helping with the smooth running of the festival.

“We’ve more volunteers than ever before and our new volunteers have been phenomenal.

"They’ve been enjoying themselves.”

And Saltaire Festival remains free for everyone to attend.

"It is a phenomenal accomplishment that we manage to keep making this free,” said Mr Andrews-Swailes. “I have always said as long as I am chair we will keep it free.

"It is free for all to attend and that is the beauty of Saltaire Festival."