COME and join the fun this week as the second festival of British puppetry, PuppetUp! 99, rolls into Blackpool.

PuppetUp! 99 is an open access community event developed as a unique partnership between schools and local residents working alongside regional and national puppeteers.

The programme, following on from the tremendous success of Puppet Up! 97, is organised by Blackpool Town Centre Forum, in collaboration with the Grand Theatre and Grundy art gallery.

The programme will feature a series of events, starting on Saturday (March 27) with the opening of two major exhibitions at the Grundy Art Gallery, beginning with the return of world renowned Delvaine Royal marionette collection following their highly accredited show two years ago. The second exhibition, entitled Mechanical Magic, has been crafted by Blackpool-born Frank Nelson (pictured) and will feature gadgetry to delight all.

The exhibitions will not only be an attraction in their own right, but will also form the focus of a series of educational workshops.

Festival director Rachel Riggs says: "Our educational programme is a very important aspect of the festival. Twenty separate workshops have been established involving one-day, two-day and week residency courses in the crafting and performance of puppets, and so far two drugs awareness workshops.

"We estimate more than 2,000 people will have the chance to develop skills through schools, colleges, special needs schools and community groups."

From May 7-16 you can see performances at the Grand Theatre featuring a wide range of shows for children and adults, from Jack and the Beanstalk, to Royal Variety performer Ennio Marchetto.

And thanks to generous support from national and local businesses, Blackpool Borough Council, North West Arts Board and Blackpool Challenge Partnership, the town will come alive for two fun-packed weekends of street performances on May 8-9 and 15-16.

The grand parade of puppets, on May 15 will include giant puppets, the Big Heads, workshop puppetry creations, samba and jazz bands, Chinese lions and dragons, professional performers, costume characters and much more.

So whether you take a trip to the Grundy Art Gallery for their free exhibitions, see a performance at the Grand, or support the event on the street, you're sure to enjoy PuppetUp! 99.

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