A MOUNTAIN bike celebration coming to Ramsbottom this month has announced its full festival programme.

The inaugural Northern Grip festival will combine riding on some of the region's finest fells with a series of post-ride activities in and around Ramsbottom Civic Hall on July 23 and 24.

Live music will be provided in the hub and on the hills by Mr Wilson’s Second Liners, The East Pointers, Rick Warren and Damien Heakin, with Manchester’s Funkademia club night providing the DJs throughout the day and night.

Ex-Coronation Street star Graeme Hawley, Pasta Paul and Baz Kirkley will all be on the decks.

Our outdoor expo area will showcase demo bikes and products from leading brands, and there will be question and answer sessions with professional rider Ricky Crompton, father and son cycling duo Rich and Tom Pips, and others.

Northern Grip organiser, Tom Whitehead, said: “Northern Grip isn’t going to be just about the fun riding to be had on the amazing hills and trails around Ramsbottom.

"The festival hub at the Civic Hall will have a full programme of activities with film screenings, live music, DJs, Q&As with extraordinary riders, bike demos and, of course, great local food and ales. We'll also be throwing in some memorable surprises throughout the day."

The Venetian and the Eagle and Child will be among the local businesses providing food for the weekend, which will also include screenings of classic mountain bike films.

Festival organisers have also been working with the National Trust to open up new trails above Ramsbottom that have never been 'officially' used before.

Remaining tickets are still available, priced at £25, from northerngrip.co.uk.

Entry is free for under 16s with an accompanying adult ticket.