THIS year's festival line-up has been confirmed by the city council.

Members of the tourism committee agreed this week to fund 16 events and festivals which include the return of many old favourites as well as the introduction of a couple of new ones.

Amongst those events making a return appearance will be the popular Festival of Light and Water and The Worldbeat Weekend. Both these family-friendly events attract hundreds of paying visitors to the district.

The Fireworks Spectacular at Lancaster Castle will go ahead on November 3 and is also expected to draw huge numbers into the city once again. Brand new to the district's festival scene this year will be the "Comedy Festival," a family orientated event which will include a variety of events designed to celebrate the comic traditions and talent of the district. Also new this year will be Remembrance Weekend, which will coincide with Remembrance Day in November. In addition to the main events the city council has also agreed a number of smaller but nevertheless popular events including the Bands in the Parks Festival, Lancaster City Guided Walks, Lunchtime Concerts and a Jacobite Day. Committee chairman Paul Morris said: "We have drawn together an impressive list of events and festivals for the coming year. There really is something for everyone here, from music lovers to sportspeople, families to historians.

"As well as providing entertainment, often free of charge, to thousands of locals, the events programme is also a magnet to thousands more visitors, many of whom visit the events and then stay on in the area to examine and enjoy many of the other exciting features the area has to offer."

The full line up includes: April - Maritime Festival, July - Punk Festival, Morecambe Street Theatre Festivals, Street Bands Festival. August - Festival of Light and Water, Worldbeat Weekend. September - Golf Competition, Jazz Festival, OAPs Talent Contest, Comedy Festival, November - Fireworks Spectacular, Remembrance Weekend.