THE SEASIDE will come to Blackburn during a July festival promoting the town.

A series of events designed to create a holiday atmosphere is being planned by the town hall.

To set the scene, an exhibition about the famous Lancashire Wakes Weeks opens this Saturday at the Lewis Textile Museum.

It is based on memories of trips to Blackpool, Morecambe and the Isle of Man, and former mill workers have contributed stories, postcards and mementoes.

The five-day festival in July will get under way with a shopping and entertainment day in King William Street on July 19.

Former world superbike champion Carl Fogarty has also agreed to take part in a open-air event on July 20 based on motor bikes.

Blackburn Cathedral will host an open-air brass band concert and an end-of-pier show is also being planned.

A bygone transport day is to take place complete with vintage vehicles and mounted police in period costume parading through the town.

Tourism and marketing manager Tony Openshaw said: "This unique event has all been made possible by co-operation with businesses in the town centre and the council."

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