FINAL preparations are taking place for a massive "alternatives" festival in Pendle featuring theatre, entertainment, workshops and displays by more than 50 local and national organisations.

The free event, to be held on June 27 and 28 at Pendle Leisure Centre, Colne, is expected to attract thousands of visitors.

The Say Yes to Alternatives festival will also feature recycled craft workshops, organic wine tasting and alternative transport such as a gas powered car and bikes for disabled people.

Events are also to be held at other venues such as dry stone walling at Loamy Wood, Nelson, and a talk on permaculture - living in a sustainable way - at Pendle Heritage Centre, Barrowford.

A free bus service will carry visitors to the events from the leisure centre.

Pendle Council's Bryan Thompson, who is leading the festival team, said: "This is the first time we have done anything on this scale and we are keen for thousands of local people to come and experience a new way of living. "The festival is designed to appeal to children and adults of all ages and promises to be a great way of learning about green issues while having fun."

People are being encouraged to use public transport or bicycles to get to the event.

The police will be postcoding bikes for security between noon and 4pm on June 28.

The festival will open with a drama and music production Project Rescue - Save the Planet by children from Walter Street Primary School, Brierfield.

Council leader Alan Davies said: "Pendle Council is dedicated to environmental issues and this event will support Pendle people in improving their own environment and lifestyle for a better quality of life."

Free programmes outlining all the events are available from town halls, Pendle Leisure Centre at Colne, Pendle Heritage Centre at Barrowford, and by telephoning Garreth Bruff on 01282 661986.

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