PRESTON'S streets will come alive with the sound of music this summer as the town prepares to host SummerFest 99.

The new festival, it is hoped, will project Preston's profile to new levels in arts circles.

Included in the two-day event, which runs across the weekend of Saturday, July 17, and Sunday, July 18, will be music, street theatre and arts, all of which will be staged in the heart of Preston town centre.

Exhibitions and workshops will also be presented in the Harris Museum, which has joined forces with Preston Borough Council's Leisure Services Department and Propeller Promotions - organisers of the PrestFest music festival - to hold the event.

Councillor Graham Worrell, chairman of Preston's leisure services committee, said: "This is an exciting development and will make an excellent addition to our programme of existing summer events in the town.

"We hope it will provide a great attraction for the people of Preston and will raise the profile of the town on a national basis."

If the event is successful leisure bosses hope to make the SummerFest an annual event in the town's calendar.

A budget of more than £4,500 has been secured through sponsorship from P & O Properties, which owns the Miller Arcade in Preston.

Organisers are now looking for local bands to perform during the weekend event.

Any groups wishing to join the bill, which it is hoped will include a star-studded array of local talent, can send a demo tape to SummerFest 99 Bands, The Media Company, 168 Garstang Road, Preston, PR2 8JS.

Organisations wishing to get involved can call Petra Savage on 01772-203456.

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