People young and old are expected to turn out for the week long festival which will kick off on Monday, August 10 with events happening all week, all over the town. Youngsters can enjoy a treasure hunt with clues hidden around the main areas of the town and proud parents can enter babies under three years old in a bonny baby competition.

Visitors can view an array of beautiful art work produced by the Erskine Art Group all week in Erskine library and on Wednesday afternoon visitors can meet the writers from Erskine Writers group.

Car enthusiasts are in for a treat as there will be a Sports and Vintage car display.

Event organiser, Jacqui Reid said “We are anticipating around 2500 visitors to our events with an expected 2000 people visiting our Gala Day on Saturday, August 15.

“We have already had significant interest shown in our junior and adult fun run on Friday, August 14. The route is disabled friendly; a cause I feel passionately about as I am registered disabled myself and enjoy taking part in as many activities as I can.” The Gala Day will be held at Park Mains High School. Attractions will include a flying bird of prey display from KG Hawks, fairground rides, inflatables, dance displays by Dancexcel and Young Stars Stage School and performances from local bands and choirs. For bargain hunters there will be lots of enticing things to buy on the day including local farmers’ produce at the farmers market and tempting treats from many local companies.

Jacqui said: “I first started planning this event in my head whilst attending Bishopton Day 2014. I looked around at the people attending and realised that a lot of the people who were there lived in Erskine - why could a small village like Bishopton organise events when their larger neighbour couldn’t.

“I joined the community council and, together with Andy Cameron, chairperson of the council, formed a small sub committee to look at event planning.

“We decided the best way forward was to form a separately constituted group made up of the local churches and community groups - we figured if we involved people there would be greater buy in from the community.

“This worked to our advantage as every church in Erskine became involved to the extent they were able; the Rotary Group, Guide Movement, Boy’s Brigade and local dance company Dancexcel joined us at monthly meetings starting from October last year.” Jacqui said that organisers of the Bishopton Day have been a “fantastic support” and added: “Ronnie Dukes who has been involved in Bishopton Week for over 20 years offered us invaluable advice and came along to our meetings.

“We decided to use the same format as the Bishopton group - their events have been running successfully for 43 years.” The chosen charity for the festival week is Renfrewshire Foodbank. There will be collection points at each venue for donations of dry goods.

Organisers have been providing information at a stand in the Bridgewater Shopping Centre over the last few weekends.

Jacqui said: “At the information stand you can purchase your programme, find out about the numerous events during the week, and chat with local councillor Sam Mullin and Community Council members.

“We also have various volunteers selling the programmes in and around Erskine homes - from both activities we have been astounded at the enthusiasm and encouragement shown by the townspeople of Erskine.” At the Gala Day, the winners of the junior/high school and adult citizen of the Year Award and the Bonny Baby Competition will be announced.

Jacqui added: “We also have an adult football tournament taking place and are hoping to have some players from St Mirren’s FC to present the cup to the winners.” Entry forms for the bonny baby competition and Sports and Vintage car display are available at www.erskinefestival.co.uk