BLACKPOOL'S Stanley Park is preparing to hit the high notes again with another summer full of musical fun.

The park's bandstand will host eight weekend concerts in July and August as part of the popular Parklive festival, now in its third year.

The programme kicks off on July 7 with bands The Theory, The Fragments, Iota and Chang. The following Sunday local schools, including Bispham Endowed and Park School, will take to the stage for an afternoon of song, brass favourites, Samba music and more.

Fylde Coast Church Bands feature on July 21, and bands The Remedy, The Delmars, The Honeycats and Inertia star on July 28.

The August programme features Electric Ladyboys, Uncle Fester, Neocoma and Presuming Ed on August 4, Jaydid, Sinister Footwear, Cuzak, Lotus Munkies on August 11, and Sea Monkeys, Desormais, Intergalactic Groove Collective and The Transmission on August 18.

The final concert on August 25 stars the Festival Ceilidh band and jazz outfit French Connection.

The park will also host a promenade production by Premier Theatre Company of Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice from Monday, July 1 to Saturday, July 6.

Weather permitting, performances will take place daily at 7.30pm and you are recommended to bring cushions and/or portable seats.

Tickets priced £12-14 are available through Blackpool Grand Theatre box office on 290190 or by logging onto www.blackpool grand.co.uk