A SIZZLING week of entertainment will set Hyndburn alight in the build-up to this summer's Famous Accrington Carnival.

The spectacular festival kicks off on Saturday, June 12, and organisers Accrington Lions hope it will be the biggest yet.

Eighties popsters China Crisis will rock Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre and folk fans are well catered for with gigs by The Houghton Weavers and The McCalmans.

Dance sessions will be held at Accrington Town Hall throughout the week and trotting of a different kind will round things off at a horse show in Rishton.

Carnival day - Saturday, June 19 - will feature a fun-filled field of excitement at Sandy Lane, Accrington, and is sponsored by the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

The carnival queen will lead a town centre procession, including a spectacular array of floats, marching bands, dancers and entertainers.

One band is Utopia, formerly known as the Burnley Scout Band, who will be joined by the Rhyddings Steel Band.

The Accrington Pipe Band, local group Blojangles and regular guests Wardle High School Band from Rochdale will also feature. And a giant Chinese lion puppet will roar through the streets, manned by Darwen Kung Fu School members.

The fun will then move on to Accrington and Rossendale College's playing fields, where there will be fairground rides and stalls.

Splatter your mates at a paintball range, or sample army life on a death slide, shooting gallery and personnel carrier. Daredevils are also set to make a big leap for charity from a 200ft bungee crane on the field.

For more information about any aspect of the carnival, call Tony Clarkson: 01254 385224.

Festival programme:

Saturday June 12 8pm: dance night at Accrington Town Hall.

Sunday June 13 7.30pm: The McCalmans folk concert at Accrington Town Hall.

Tuesday June 15 1pm: sequence dance at Accrington Town Hall; 7.30pm: China Crisis in concert at Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre.

Wednesday June 16 1pm: sequence and modern ballroom dance at Accrington Town Hall.

Thursday June 17 7.30pm: sequence dance at Accrington Town Hall.

Friday June 18 7.30pm: Houghton Weavers in concert at Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre.

Saturday June 19 Famous Accrington Carnival.

Sunday June 20 10am: carnival horse show at Lee Lane, Rishton.

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