A HOST of top bands and well known acts have been lined up to perform at Blackburn's Arts in the Park event on July 22 and 23.

The free festival will see thousands of music lovers heading to Blackburn's Witton Park to listen to some chart-topping bands and the best in classical music.

Headlining on the main stage on Saturday will be The Lightning Seeds and The Wonder Stuff then on the Sunday the traditional classical fireworks finale will be held featuring the Northern Chamber Orchestra.

The opening day of the festival will see a special programme of artists in the afternoon aimed at a younger pop audience.

Among those taking part will be former Atomic Kitten Liz McClarnon, star of The Games and ex-member of So Solid Crew, Harvey and chart topper Dario G.

The afternoon concert runs from 1pm to 4pm then acoustic act Sparks will perform while the stage is being prepared for the evening session.

Getting things underway will be Mike Sanchez and the Portions.

Sanchez will be known to many festival goers in East Lancashire through his showstopping performances at both the Colne and Burnley Blues Festivals.

Following him on stage will be the Irish band Director, one of the most promising new bands in Britain.

Then it's the turn of the Wonder Stuff who have been wowing fans with their live performances for 20 years.

The band, which includes founder members Miles Hunt and Malcolm Treece, have had eight hit albums and are best known for songs such as Size of A Cow, Full of Life and Dizzy the hit they performed with comedian Vic Reeves.

Rounding the night off are The Lightning Seeds, another band who are perhaps best known for their collaboration with comedians in their case Baddiel and Skinner and the football anthem Three Lions.

But, novelty record apart, Ian Broudie, the driving force of the Lightning Seeds has been responsible for a vast number of great songs including Lucky You, Life of Riley, Pure and Sense.

The band have just released their new album the Very Best of the Lightning Seeds.

A second alternative stage will see a variety of acts performing during the day including several local bands who have been auditioning for a festival slot this week.

The headline act on the alternative stage on Saturday will be former Inspiral Carpets frontman Tom Hingley and his band.

On Sunday the main stage will have a lighter feel with jazz, classical and world music sounding around the park.

Among those taking part will be the Northern Jazz Orchestra, Tongue & Groove, and Poco Loco.

Then the Northern Chamber Orchestra will round off the two-day event in style.

Conducted by Nicholas Smith, they will play the works of Bizet, Dvorak, Sousa, Strauss, plus modern favourites by Gilbert and Sullivan, John Williams, and Andrew Lloyd Webber, followed by a spectacular firework display.

On the alternative stage there will be entertainment from 1pm and this will include sets from the WhiskyCats, Terri Walker, Ska favourites The Selector and local punk heroes The Stiffs.

As well as the live music, Arts in the Park will feature Blackburn's Action Factory, in association with Talia Theatre who will bring together community performers in a production celebrating the life of Britain's legendary hero Robin Hood.

There will also be a funfair and a range of stalls and refreshments available.

This year's festival will be a glass free' event.

For safety reasons glasses and glass bottles will not be allowed into the park. Plastic bottles will be allowed.