STARS and stripes will flutter in the breeze beside Union flags at this year’s Stow Cotswold Festival on July 4 in recognition of American Independence Day.

Popcorn, candy floss, hot dogs, hamburgers and Stetsons will add a ‘yee-hah’ to the celebration of all things Stow and Cotswolds at this biennial family extravaganza.

A pioneering quilt will be just one of the fun activities on offer where festival visitors and locals can display their needle skills in a mass ‘Sewing Bee’ at St Edward’s Hall. The finished 4ft by 4ft patchwork will then wing its way across the Atlantic to Appomattox, USA, to build on the two towns’ unique friendship link.

Stow was the scene of the last major skirmish in the English Civil War, in 1646. And the Battle of Appomattox Court House, near Virginia, Massachusetts, was one of the American Civil War’s final battles in 1865.

“Our American friends are set to celebrate their 150th anniversary this April. We look forward to seeing their greetings to Stow against the backdrop of a Civil War re-enactment, which will be played at the Festival and enjoyed with US-themed refreshments. We want to encourage everyone to join in making the quilt on the day,” said Stow and District Civic Society chairman and festival committee member Nigel Surman.

“It will be a traditional English quilt with hexagonal paper piecing. People can stitch a hexagon, or sponsor one. There will also be a message book for people’s comments and addresses if they’d like to forge further with individual friendships. Perhaps this could also lead to an on-line conversation between the two towns.”

Led by expert quilter Stephanie Venn, with inspiring work on display, volunteers will demonstrate and help piece it together as a surprise gift for Appomattox.

In 1646 blood was said to be “flowing in the gutters and down Digbeth Street” at the Battle of Stow. Outnumbered Royalist troops, led by Charles 1st’s senior infantry commander Sir Jacob Astley, were driven into the market square by the Parliamentarians. Today’s town centre witnessed over 4,000 men and cavalry in hand-to-hand combat. More than 1,500 Royalist prisoners were taken and held overnight in St Edward's Church. The colourful quilt will pay homage to the desperate last stand.

Festival-goers can also stitch a striking stars and stripes rosette as a memento to wear and take home.

“The aim of the Festival is to introduce Stow to new visitors, to offer a family fun day for visitors and locals alike and to contribute to local charities. We expect our Festival to be lots of fun, with something for everyone,” said Maggie Deacon, Stow Cotswold Festival chairman.