Storks welcome culture vultures!

Evo-Stik Northern Premier League newcomers Padiham are playing a major part in the 2013 Padiham Community Festival and Sports Week.

The First Division North's Storks are kicking off the event with a 'Comedy and Curry Night' at their Arbories Memorial Sports Ground on Friday 2 August.

Padiham, who won promotion to the Evo-Stik NPL as champions of the North West Counties Football League, have also been handed the honour of closing the eight day festival when a Padiham FC Old Timers XI take on a Vintage Clarets XI from Championship Burnley on Sunday 11 August.

Storks manager Steve Wilkes has lined up an impressive pre-season friendly schedule as they prepare for the Evo-Stik NPL with friendlies against a Burnley XI, Skelmersdale United and FA Cup winners Wigan Athletic all booked.