Two-day party with that added X-factor

Record crowds are expected to transform Blackburn's Corporation Park into a sea of colour for the free festival which will see chart toppers Liberty X and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra bringing top quality entertainment to town.

Now in its fourth year, this promises to be the biggest and best Arts in the Park yet.

Councillor Kate Hollern, executive member for leisure and culture at Blackburn with Darwen Council said: "This event is the council's showpiece event of the summer and we expect it to be sensational. Each year more people turn out to enjjoy the weekend of music and this year we expect it to be bigger than ever."

The real coup for this year's festival is the appearance of Brit Award winners Liberty X, fresh from performing in front of Prince Charles and 100,000 people in Hyde Park last weekend for the Prince's Trust.

The five members of Liberty X - including local lad Kevin Simm - are expected on the main stage around 9pm tomorrow night and it is estimated that well over 20,000 people will turn out to watch them.

Arts in the Park will end in dramatic fashion on Sunday with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra performing popular classics culminating in a spectacular firework display.

But there is much more to this year's Arts in the Park.

Tomorrow on the main stage a number of great tribute acts will take to the bringing the hits of the likes of Kylie Minogue and Robbie Williams to life. Then a number of stars of the future will perform special showcases before it's the turn of Liberty X.

On Sunday it's a change of pace with the 'Phil' bringing the classics - visitors to Arts in the Park will even get the chance to listen them rehearse in the afternoon in preparation for the night's performance.

Award-winning brass bands and the best local musicians and singers complete the Sunday offering on the main stage.

The spirit of Arts in the Park is epitomised by the Blackburn People's Choic which gets the whole thing off to a harmonious star at 1pm tomorrow on the main stage.

On the alternative stage some of the brightest bands from the area get the chance to play to a wider audience. A number of the names will be familiar from the recent Darwen Live event and the quality and variety of music on offer will be a revelation to those not familiar with the thriving local music scene.

Arts in the Park is very much an community event, following the hugely successful Mela last weekend.

There is plenty for families to enjoy throughout the two days with a fun fair on site and a wide range of stalls, attractions and snack bars.

Everyone has their part to play in creating a magnificent atmosphere which really heralds the arrival of summer and gets everyone into the holiday spirit.

The leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, Sir Bill Taylor said: "It fils me with great pride toi see all the people who belong to the Blackburn with Darwen community coming together in the beautiful Corporation Park and celebrating with much joy and friendship."

FULL LINE-UP

SATURDAY

Main stage

1pm Blackburn People's Choir

2pm 4Play

3pm 4 Real (Shaggy tribute)

4pm Anastasia (tribute)

5pm Especially for You (Kylie tribute)

6pm Robbie Williams Xperience

7pm Haifa

7.30pm Barratt Waugh

7.50pm Leslie Loh

8.10pm Cookie

8.30pm Peppercorn

9pm Liberty X

Alternative stage

1pm Bert

2pm Pseudo

3pm The Itch

4pm BushWacker

5pm If All Else Fails

6pm McGill

7pm The Reserved

8pm Stipe

SUNDAY

Main stage

1pm Blackburn with Darwen Service Wind Band

2pm Besses O the Barn

3pm Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Rehearsal

6pm BwD Brass Band

7pm Blackburn People's Choir

7.40pm Procession

7.50pm Introduction from the Mayor

8pm Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and fireworks.

Alternative stage

1pm Habbiba dancers

2pm Harry's the Man

3pm Tessem

4pm Grim Beavers

5pm Rocket Dog

6pm DustFly

7pm Gone Beggin'

Full four-page picture special in Monday's Telegraph