THIS year's Leyland Festival looks set to be as exciting as ever, with a spectacular parade followed by a fun-packed day of entertainment in Worden Park.

Councillor Margaret Smith, Mayor of South Ribble, says: "No matter what the weather has to offer, I know everyone will have a fabulous day." The procession begins at 1pm in Centurion Way, and winds down Stanifield Lane, through Leyland town centre and down Towngate before arriving at Worden Park at around 2.15pm.

The procession boasts three brass bands, six Morris Dancing troupes and a host of lavishly decorated floats on the theme of an American Parade.

The events in Worden Park begin at 3.30pm and run throughout the evening, until 10pm. A Bill Clinton look-alike has been booked to officially open the festival.

The highlight of the day will be the crowning of this year's Festival Queen, 17-year-old Megan Hallam who attends Runshaw College in Leyland. The ceremony will take place at 3.30pm and will42.6 be followed at 4pm by a traditional country dancing display involving more than 200 children from eight Leyland primary schools.

The Sky Riders high-wire motorcycle act takes place at 4.30pm, and will be followed by a parachute display and hot air balloon launch at 8.15pm.

The death-defying escapologist 'Maniax' will attempt to survive a nail-biting barrage of fire and explosions at 9.45pm. Live music is available in the music tent featuring the sounds of The Elderly Brothers, The Dixie Four and Beyondrum. In the evening local bands 'Oh Boy' and 'Lynx' will bring back memories with a selection of hits from the 70s through to the 90s.

Children will be amused throughout the day by Clown Bo and his crazy car antics along with family entertainers Wolds Wagon Dispatch Riders.

The day's events will culminate with a Grand Firework Finale, set to begin at 10.15pm.

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