PRESTON'S free music festival is set to go ahead July 6-7 despite Heineken, the sponsors of previous events, pulling out.

This year's Party in the Park is the result of a partnership between the local council and radio stations Red Rose Gold and Rock FM.

As in other years, the festival will attract some top names in the music industry but there will also be an additional forum for new North West talent.

Red Rose Radio managing director Tom Hunter said: "The stations are delighted to team up with Preston Borough Council to bring top class acts and a fabulous weekend of free music to the people of Lancashire. We're sure it'll be the biggest party Preston's ever seen."

The complete line up has not yet been announced, programme manager Mark Matthews said: "We are still keeping the names of bands under our hat until we have a number of groups to announce."

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