VENUES across Burnley are gearing up for this year's Reach 2 Fringe Festival.

The event, which takes place in the run up to the main festival in Queen's Park on Sunday, August 22, proved so successful last year that organisers decided to run it again this year.

A spokesman for the fringe festival said: "It is all about putting on something for everyone.

"As this is a people's festival we have been very good with admission costs, some of the venues will even be free, creating the opportunity for people to see acts, including ones that are are playing at top festivals around the UK."

There are seven venues involved in the fringe festival putting on everything from pop to punk rock.

The acts so far confirmed include punk band Energica, Welsh four-piece My Red Cell, and Liverpudlian indie band 28 Costumes, who will all be on stage at the Keirby Hotel, in Keirby Walk, on Saturday, August 21.

Burnley's own world and UK DJ champion DJ Woody will also be performing during the fringe festival.

He will headline the festival's own DJ battle in Olivers Bar, at the Burnley Mechanics Theatre, on Friday, August 20.

Local bands are being given the chance to support the main acts at each of the events.

And a CD showcasing some of that local talent will be released to coincide with the fringe festival, which takes place on Friday, August 20 and Saturday, August 21.

The CD will be available free at all Reach 2 events over the weekend. More than 50 bands and artists submitted demos and a panel of volunteers chose 15 for the CD.

Details about the fringe festival or the main event at Queen's Park from Bill Glew or Karen Sumner on 01282 711241 or 07791 243411, or e-mail reachfest@yahoo.co.uk