A SUMMER programme of events and entertainment has been planned by Blackburn with Darwen Council to follow the success of last year's Festival 150.

Over 120,000 people attended events in 2001, which also saw the rise of the North West's largest and best attended Mela.

The audience figures at both Arts in the Park and Darwen Music Live went up by 50 per cent, confirming these events as ones the people of Blackburn and Darwen enjoy the most.

In 2002, the council hopes to build on the successes of the previous two years by making events more attractive, more accessible and above all, more fun. Once again, they will be free to attend, with many activities also free.

Executive member for Leisure and Culture Coun Kate Hollern said: "Once again the council is bringing an extensive summer-long programme of events to the borough.

"The activities, together with the Spirit of Friendship and the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations, means there really is something for everyone on offer in our two towns."

The first event will be Darwen Music Live, to be held on June 2 and 3 in Police Street, Darwen.

Essentially a music festival, the event is also aimed at all the family with children's workshops and other entertainments taking place over the weekend.

The event will be the main thrust of Blackburn with Darwen's Jubilee Celebrations.

As well as a host of great bands, it will also include arts workshops, face painting, The Pettycoat Lane Market and street entertainment.

On July 6 and 7 the Arts in The Park, a weekend jamboree of arts and entertainments will take place. The event will include the English Symphony Orchestra who will perform a rousing finale, accompanied by a spectacular firework display in front of an audience estimated at 15,000.

Also featuring at the event will be arts and music workshops, a women's tent, a firework display, a healing arts marquee, street performers, outdoor catering, two bars, and 25 local bands.

The summer programme will conclude with the Blackburn Mela at Corporation Park on July 13 and 14.

Produced in collaboration with the local community, last year's event featured artists of national and international acclaim and was attended by an estimated 30,000 people over the two days.