PUNK may not be everyone's cup of tea but it is expected to be music to the ears of local hoteliers, taxi firms and other businesses.

Love it or loathe it, there's no doubt that tartan trousers, safety pins through the noses and purple mohicans still hold a firm place in the hearts of many former rockers. And thousands of them will be flocking to Morecambe between July 6 and 8, when the resort plays host to a massive festival celebrating punk's 25th anniversary.

Such is the demand for the festival - from fans in places as far flung as Australia, Israel, Italy and Spain - that almost of all of Morecambe's hotel beds have already been booked up. In addition Lancaster City Council has secured the use of hundreds of caravans as well as rooms at Lancaster University and has even set up a campsite at Salt Ayre which will be serviced by a special festival bus.

The Council's tourism services are also appealing for any accommodation businesses with vacancies for the weekend to contact Morecambe Tourist Information Centre.

The council is also advising taxi drivers, shopkeepers and restaurateurs to be prepared for a boom in the number of people requiring their services over the festival weekend.

The festival, which will feature more than 100 bands including massive names such as Stiff Little Fingers, UK Subs, Sham 69, The Damned and Slaughter & The Dogs, will be based around 4 stages - The Market Arena, the Dome, the Platform and the Carleton - which together have a capacity of more than 6,000 people. And as well as all the fans the event is set to attract music journalists from around the world, ensuring Morecambe is placed firmly on the international map.

Commenting on the forthcoming weekend and the opportunities for local business, chair of Lancaster City Council's economic development and tourism policy committee, Paul Morris said: "Morecambe has hosted the punk festival for several years now and it has always proved popular as a venue. However, this year with it being a particularly significant anniversary for punk fans throughout the world, let alone the UK, we are already aware that Morecambe is going to be a very busy place that weekend. With thousands of extra people in the resort the demand on food establishments, shops, transport and accommodation facilities is going to be massive.

"This is an example of just how the council's policy of using music to draw even more visitors to Morecambe is having such a positive effect on such a large section of the business community."

There is still time for many other businesses to get involved. If you have room spaces, have a taxi firm or any other business and would like to find out more about supporting the festival please contact Lancaster and Morecambe's Tourist Information Services.

Additionally, festival tickets can be purchased from Morecambe Tourist Information Centre either by calling 582808.