COLNE is set to be transformed into a sea of colour as it hosts its first music and flower festival this weekend.

And organisers of the festival, designed to help efforts to regenerate the town, are urging residents to come out in force.

The two-day festival will celebrate all things floral as well as showcasing a mix of musical talent ranging from gospel choirs to renowned harpists and organists.

And Coun Dorothy Lord, chairman of Colne in Bloom committee, was hopeful months of planning would capture people's imagination.

"If today is not a good day for you, then you have the chance to enjoy it again tomorrow. We don't want anybody to miss out on all the hard work and effort everyone involved has put in. We are really proud of the work put in and the displays."

One of the most striking features will be a huge collection of flowers inside Colne Parish Church.

Between 10am and 4pm today and 1pm and 5pm tomorrow there will be more than 25 displays of flowers alongside another stunning display by the parks department of Pendle Council. There will be no admission charge.

Tonight will see a performance from the 'Love and Joy' gospel choir. Light refreshments will be available. Tickets £7.50.

Coun Lord stressed the programme had been designed to provide something for everyone: "If you have little ones, there's no need to worry, as they can join in with local artist Sue Gibson, who will be doing workshops making flowers out of all sorts of materials, she said."

Tomorrow night inter-nationally acclaimed triple harpist Katie-Fiona Roberts will perform in the church with tickets priced at £7.50.

Musical offerings will include seven organists churches who will perform throughout the festival.