A FEAST of family fun and laughter is on the cards this summer as the entertainment line-up for the Preston International City Festival is put together.

More than 35 events and attractions have already been pencilled in over a ten-day timetable with room for plenty more.

Now organisers are calling on people with an established event to join in the fun and are urging people with fun activities on the boil to hold them in Preston during the festival.

Carl Speight, chief executive of Preston City Centre Management Company, said: "The main programme is set but if people have got an event they are already organising themselves which falls within the festival dates or could be moved to the festival dates then we welcome them to get in touch so it could be incorporated into the festival."

An evening balloon race and fireworks in Moor Park, Preston, will mark the start of the festival on June 11 ahead of the host of family orientated events dotted around the city.

Revellers can enjoy a packed line-up including a junior prom, hot air balloon weekend and fun fair rides as well as the annual Continental Market, beefed up this year with demonstrations from visiting chefs.

Final year art students from the University of Central Lancashire will incorporate a display of their work in the Guild Hall and Preston market area while shoppers will enjoy huge savings in many local shops throughout the festival.

As well as a performance by the Certain Curtain Theatre group people can enjoy a comedy club with music and dance, a multi cultural art, music and dance event and various cultural exhibitions.

There will even be a premier of the movie Chicken Tikka Masala, in Avenham Park, and a performance of Shakespeare's As You Like It, in Miller Park.

The Riversway area of the city will also see plenty going on including a festival schools and community day on June 18.

The annual Caribbean Carnival will top off the festival on June 20 with a Mardi Gras from 7pm-midnight and firework finale.

Email Kerry Welsh at k.welsh@preston.gov.uk or call the tourist information centre on 01772 253731 if you want to include your event in the festival.