Lancaster BabyFest will showcase support for new and expectant parents

A Lancaster photography studio has revealed details of a special event to mark eighteen years in business.

PhotoBaby will be throwing open their doors for a free BabyFest this Saturday – complete with a children's fashion show, free Harry Potter mini portraits and a host of local baby and family businesses.

BabyFest takes place at their premises on Thetis Road in Lancaster and is designed especially for expectant parents, new mums and dads, babies and young families.

The idea is to get families off their phones and give them the chance to meet some of the brilliant people supporting parents right here in the local community.

PhotoBaby founder Eleanor Postlethwaite said: "After 18 years in business, I've learnt that some of the best things happen when people actually get together.

"We're all so used to searching online and asking social media for recommendations, but there's something completely different about meeting somebody face to face, having a chat and being able to ask your questions.

"That's really where the idea for BabyFest came from. We wanted to bring some fantastic local businesses together and help local parents find their village."

Visitors will be able to meet a wide variety of independent businesses and experts covering pregnancy, birth, babies and young children.

They include antenatal and doula support, Baby Sensory, postnatal exercise and baby development classes, children's clothing, books, personalised keepsakes, imaginative play, skincare and photography.

Many of the exhibitors are parents themselves, with businesses that were inspired by their own experiences of pregnancy, maternity leave and raising children.

Eleanor added: "I've been sitting down with our exhibitors over the last few weeks and hearing the stories behind their businesses.

"That's been one of my favourite parts of organising the whole event. They're not just there to sell something. They're incredibly passionate about what they do and about supporting local families."

The PhotoBaby team will be running free Harry Potter-themed mini portrait sessions, including a complimentary digital portrait.

Places are limited, so families who want a Harry Potter portrait are encouraged to book their session time in advance.

At 1pm, the BabyFest catwalk will come to life as local little ones take part in a mini fashion show hosted by Viva Interiors.

The independent children's retailer will be showcasing a selection of its clothing, modelled by some very excited young volunteers.

Families will also have the chance to win the Local Heroes Baby Bundle, a huge collection of prizes and experiences donated by BabyFest exhibitors.

The bundle includes antenatal support, baby classes, children's gifts and activities, keepsakes and a PhotoBaby family photography experience.

A separate charity raffle will take place during BabyFest, with prizes donated by local businesses and proceeds going to Tigerlily Trust, which supports families affected by miscarriage, stillbirth and neonatal loss.

The Lancaster business celebrates its 18th birthday this year, having photographed more than 5,500 babies since opening.