ORGANISERS of the Darwen Gala 2005 have revealed a fun-packed line-up and extra financial support which they believe will make this year's event the best and biggest yet.

The gala, Saturday, August 20, will have a superhero theme with a special appearance by Spiderman plus demonstrations by an international strongman, after extra cash came from the council towards the cost of booking the two professional acts.

The Mighty Smith Show features Adrian Smith who has won the UK's strongest man competition a record three times.

He will carry out various feats of strength including tearing up telephone directories, bending six inch nails in his teeth and walking on a bed of broken glass.

Younger visitors will be impressed with the Spiderman Stunt Show, a display of wire walking, cycling on the wire and web throwing.

Darwen Gala chairman John Sturgess said: "We try to improve each year so the extra funding is very welcome. We are sure the strongman and Spiderman shows will be popular.

We now hope people will support the event which helps charities raise thousands of pounds."

Vehicles ranging from community floats to disability scooters and Land Rovers will make up the colourful road parade, which sets off from Anchor Road at 12.30pm and travels through the town centre to the gala field.

Street collectors will help raise money to stage future galas.

Entertainment begins from 1.30pm in the Borough Road field.

Deputy mayor Dorothy Walsh will conduct the official opening and judge the road parade, and MP Janet Anderson will be a special guest.

This year's line up includes a fun fair, up to 50 stalls, live music, a morris dancing competition, cheerleading and other dance, a display by Lancashire Hawks and Owls, a climbing wall, beer tent and a children's entertainer.

Two local bands, Ignition and Crush, will provide music in the evening.

Trips to Darwen Tower by Red Rose Land Rover Club will be available again, with priority given to older people and those with disabilities.

A gala programme, sponsored by Akzo Nobel Decorative Coatings Ltd, will soon be available at many town centre businesses.

To book stall, ring June on 01254 725958; to enter a float, vehicle or to arrange to walk in the road parade, ring Bob on 01254 706510 or Steve on 01254 774804.