A UNIQUE celebration is being launched in Runcorn.

A canal based arts festival called a Canalival is being held on Saturday, June 4.

Halton Heritage Partnership, The Suitcase Ensemble and Halton Young People’s Theatre are transforming Runcorn's waterfront.

The day-long event includes the premiere of a new theatrical piece.

The drama starts will take place at Hazlehurst Studios’ old town bloom garden, The Brindley and onboard Ada, a wide beam boat, which will be moored on the Bridgewater Canal by The Brindley.

Halton Council arts development officer Louise Hesketh said: "There will be a bit of something for everyone to get involved with, a veritable jamboree of performance, storytelling and music.

“This carnival-like event with a canal-based theme is a creative celebration of local history, traditions and customs, all with a sprinkling of fiction and imagination."

Halton Young People’s Theatre will premiere a new performance inspired by the lives of canal boat dwellers and workers.

The performance includes anecdotes, myths and tales of canal lives that have been reimagined by the young people and The Suitcase Ensemble.

The performance starts at 1:30pm at the Brindley café terrace, accessed via the canal towpath.

Street performances and walkabout acts that mix heritage tales and dramatics will then entertain around the terrace and towpath with a finale at 2.30pm.

Richard Andrews from the Runcorn Historical Society will lead a local history talk and walk at 3pm from The Brindley.

He will take people through the heritage of the Sprinch Boatyard and other buildings in the area.

There will also be a short film featuring work from Halton Young People’s Theatre being shown throughout the afternoon on-board the Ada.

The event is due to finish at 4pm.