THE skies above East Lancashire will be invaded this weekend when one of the region's biggest festivals takes off.

Balloons over Barlick, on Saturday, could see more than 40 hot air balloons making their way across the Barnoldswick.

And organisers of the festival believe the showcase attraction, as well as sculptures, music and a town crier competition, will help the event to be the best yet. Town councillor David Whipp said: "Depending on the wind, East Lancashire could be invaded any time from Friday to Sunday.

"Weather willing, it will be a tremendous spectacle."

Three festival themes have been funnelled into a single day of non-stop excitement, with a fourth feature following on Sunday. Barnoldswick's free town crier event at 11am in the Town Square will see representatives from across the country competing for Barlick's Bellman Trophy.

Also in the square, local ban Now Then will provide a taster for the town's first acoustic festival, Barlick Unplugged, later this month.

The action then shifts to Victory Park for a 1970s-style Balloon Boogie.

The event, now in its fifth year, concludes with a Night Glow from the balloons and a fireworks finale from 9pm.

Coun Whipp added: "Last year's glow was an awesome display and with fireworks it will be even better yet, a fantastic family evening."

Barlickers can also take part in the first ever Beating the Bounds walk around the town, led by Barnoldswick's very own town crier, Liz Woolnough. The walk starts at 10am at Victory Park.