A COLLECTION of animal friends will gather in Whitchurch this weekend.

The Sylvanian Families will be in the Gill Nethercott Centre and Whitchurch Silk Mill on June 27, and 28, for the seventh shopping weekend, which this year is being held as part of the Basingstoke Festival programme.

This year marks the global 30th anniversary of Sylvanian Families and to celebrate the weekend event will have a host of activities for visitors to enjoy.

Along with a range of Sylvanian products for sale, there will also be competitions, creative activities held in a marquee and visits from giant Sylvanian characters who will perform a special song and dance on the Silk Mill lawn.

The event, from 10am to 4pm on both days, is free to attend and there will be refreshments, light lunches and afternoon teas available in the Silk Mill cafe throughout the weekend.