SHOPPERS can enjoy a 'grand day out' this Saturday with an al fresco market and free fun day at Queen's Gardens to launch Culturefest '06.

Animation characters Wallace and Gromit will join traders from Warrington Market, Lymm Market and Hatter's Row to present a traditional outdoor market, with stalls, side shows, children's rides, games and craft demonstrations.

The markets, Warrington Borough Council's cultural development service, town centre traders and management hoped it will become an annual event.

Its aims are to highlight the importance of market facilities to Warrington.

Culturefest '06 is a celebration of the town's culture, and runs during July.

There are free concerts and family fun days each Friday and Saturday in Queen's Gardens, and a free jazz concert in Golden Square on Saturday, August 19.

Full details are at culturefest.info, or by calling Pyramid on 01925 442345.

Warrington Market's 'Grand Day Out' runs from 10am to 4pm on Saturday.

For families following the World Cup, England's quarter finals match against Portugal will be shown on a big screen in Pyramid from 4pm, with a dry bar available.