SOMETHING for the whole family is promised at a free bank holiday festival on Monday (August 27).

Queen Street, Blackpool, will resound to the sound of up-and-coming local talent, displays by community groups and street entertainers.

Local charities will be able to raise their profile in the community.

The street will be closed to traffic and two sound stages erected. Stage one will feature local groups and DJs, the other a talent competition and a showcase for local singers and songwriters.

The festival will be launched by The First Beat Community Orchestra -- an 80-piece ensemble formed from local school children -- at midday and will continue with a menu of entertainment to suit all tastes.

Groups performing live are Iota, Whitegate Drive, both winners of Rock Quest, White Mexicans and The Phat Jazz Collective interspersed with DJs, including the legendary Lionel Vinyl and contemporary dance artistes.

On the street will be cutting edge displays of BMX riding, in-line skating, skateboarding, graffiti artistry, juggling, fire eating, unicycle and stilt walking.

A circus workshop will provide an opportunity for the more adventurous to try out their circus skills and there will be face painting, henna tattooing, hair plaiting and tarot card readings available as well as a balloon race.

Stage two will host several local singer-songwriters and a chance for all budding sint competition with the chance to cut a CD in a professional recording studio for the winner.

Throughout the day local charities will be present to explain what they do and how they work to benefit our community.

The first Blackpool Queen Street Festival is supported by Blackpool Advocacy, Body Positive, The CVS, Millennium Volunteers, Age Concern, Drug Line, Street Life, Claremont First Step Community Centre, Barnados, Victim Support and sponsored by a number of local business, Blackpool Borough Council and the Blackpool Challenge Partnership.