DON'T be a dummy, join in the Fylde's festival of fun. That is the message from Puppet Up! 2002.

The annual extravaganza takes place this weekend across the whole of Blackpool and was officially launched on Monday (May 13) by Martin Long from the Larkin' About puppet company.

Martin stepped on to his stilts and frolicked around the Tower Ballroom with his leggy ladyfriend as the dancing duo Foxtrot Oscar.

Festival organiser Ian Lemonde is urging local organisations to put a costumed mascot in Saturday's (May 18) grand parade through the town which starts from Queen Street at 11am.

He said: "We would like to include as many costumed mascots as possible, making the parade a colourful spectacular.

"We already have puppets created by more than 40 groups drawn from schools, colleges and community groups across the Fylde as well as creations from this year's professional companies, including a 46 ft long leech created as part of IOU theatre company's show. And we are calling for any organisation that might have a costumed mascot to join us."

Blackpool Grand Junior Youth Theatre has joined forces with the Horse & Bamboo Theatre Company to bring Ships That Pass In The Night.

Two fleets of "ships" will set off from different points, making their colourful journey around the town centre streets until they meet briefly and then pass on again into the distance. Ships That Pass In The Night will take place in the grand parade on Saturday and also around the town centre at 1pm and 3pm on Saturday and Sunday.

To place a costumed mascot in Saturday's grand parade call (01253) 476246.