A WEEKEND of musical and theatrical delight beckons for Preston folk as the town's first SummerFest takes to the streets.

The new festival - which has been arranged by Preston Borough Council, the Harris Museum and Propeller Promotions - takes place this weekend (July 17 and 18), with organisers promising that the cream of the town's musical talent will perform on Sunday.

And while this new event won't be on the same scale, it is expected to be very popular and provide organisers - who include among them the people behind the music festivals - a foundation on which to expand for next year.

On Saturday, a wide variety of street theatre will be on display around the covered market, including Artizani, Danny Zapparelli, Dr Southall's Medicine Show, the colourful street band Brassa Nova, the women's percussion group Bang On and Indian dance from the Gujarat Hindu Society. The festival then goes up a gear on Sunday, when the best of the town's vibrant music scene perform for free, hopefully in the summer sunshine. A wide-range of acts are due to play, ranging from Indie groups Bridge and De Kolta, to folk-rock act Double Trouble and jazz artistes The Liz Dennison Dream Quartet.

Speaking about the event, Councillor Rose Kinsella, chairman of the leisure services committee, said: "The Borough is delighted to stage this free festival which showcases the best in local music.

"The free two day festival will appeal to all ages and tastes and there will be ample free entertainment for children."

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