Get set for the Garstang Arts and Music Festival

The festival, now in its 22nd year, will bring together local and regional talent in the arts, crafts, entertainment and music and is likely to pull in crowds from around the Fylde.

The action-packed, week-long, programme begins on Monday, August 22, with six musical or arty events to choose from, including a talk and classical piano playing with Professor Richard McGregor, a performance by Preston Flute Group and a talk on the involvement of two Victorian sisters from Garstang in pioneering tourism in the Alps.

Highlights on Tuesday August 23 include Shakespeare stories for children at Skippy in the Well bookshop, muffin decorating at Iced, in High Street, an evening lecture at the Arts Centre by Dr Frank Carter, on his work at the town's Landscape Surgery, and a poetry evening at Garstang Library.

Wednesday August 24, will see a return visit to Garstang by the One Voice Community Choir at St Mary and Michael's RC Church and a talk at town's library by Garstang's globetrotter Pat Ascroft.

On Thursday August 25, there are no less than seven events around the town, including a new look at the story of recently re-buried king Richard III with actor Dean Taylor at Garstang Library.

Friday August 26, will also have a Shakespearean element with a session on The Glories of Shakespeare at Garstang Arts Centre led by Professor James Dodding at 2pm. At 7.30pm former Steeleye Span guitarist Ken Nicol is guest at the Kenlis Arms for an evening of folk-related fun.

There's more music on Saturday August 27 with a concert of operatic arias and classical pieces, played by the Bowland Trio at the arts centre.

A Songs of Praise session with Garstang Churches Together takes place in Cherestanc Square on Sunday, August 28.

The festival will reach a resounding finale on Bank Holiday Monday at the town criers' contest, which attracts criers from through the region. This will be held in Cherestanc Square during the morning and the afternoon.

For full details of the programme visit http://www.garstangartssociety.org.uk or http:// www.garstangtowncouncil.org