SUMMER is hot, hot, hot for the holidays with the arrival of Kidz MegaFest in Blackpool for the second year running.

Organised by Blackpool Borough Council's tourism and services department, the fun festival is bigger and better than ever before and is packed to bursting with music and sporting events such as the Radio One roadshow, the Live & Kicking Hot Tour, mountain biking UK and young zoologists days at Blackpool Zoo from July 17 - August 30.

Media and events officer, Mike Chadwick, told the Citizen: "Last year was such a success the council decided to extend this year's festival for another three weeks to almost span the entire school holidays.

"This huge local event will turn Blackpool into one huge children's playground and, with most of the activities being free, we hope to encourage more visitors to the town as well as providing something special for the community."

Kidz MegaFest '99 also includes Goosebumps live at the Opera House, the Tower Circus with ringmaster Keith Harris and Orville, the opening of the summer blockbuster Star Wars - Episode 1, The Phantom Menace at the Odeon and Bodger and Badger for the little ones at the Grand Theatre on the spectacular summer schedule.

Athletic youngsters will enjoy free Cyril the Squirrel sports days at the Stakis Hotel, Darts for Kids at the Winter Gardens, Extreme '99 with the Federation of In-line speed at Princess Parade and Blackpool Football Club soccer schools at Greenlands High school.

Ecology minded kids can pond dip, go on a Mini Beast Safari and check out Big Insects! at Marton Mere Nature Reserve.

These are just some of the events lined-up. For full details, or more information on any event, drop into your local tourist information centre or call (01253) 478203 or (01253) 478222 at weekends.

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