WHAT a fantastic day out I had at Preston - at Summerfest '99 put on by the council. It was free and had live local bands on all day from 11.30am-10pm.

We also had a good day out at Chorlton Park, Manchester, a couple of weeks ago. Again, it was a free concert, with live local bands, face painting and workshops for the children and pupils from local schools performing dances while, in the main arena, the bands were playing.

There is a 'rock in the park' at Heywood on August 8 and Accrington has its annual music festival on August 15.

All these events are free. There was no trouble whatsoever at the two I have mentioned and I am sure there will be none at the others. So what has Blackburn Council got against live music? It gives families the chance to have good day out together.

At these events, there are usually face painting stalls for the children, other interesting ones selling unusual wares and food outlets and much more. It gives parents a chance to see the excellent local talent - of which Blackburn has a wealth.

Blackburn Council wants to get its head out of the sand. This is 1999, with the millennium approaching rapidly. But what will the millennium bring for Blackburn? You can bet your life it won't be live music.

Why don't the whole of Blackburn Council attend Oakhill Park, Accrington, on August 15 just to see for themselves what an enjoyable free day out can be had - even for all the fuddy duddies on Blackburn Council.

SUE EVANS, French Road, Blackburn.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.