THE Chipping Sodbury festival celebrates its 25th year this summer and organisers are appealing for former princesses to join their special parade.

To celebrate its anniversary the organisers of the 10-day long event want former festival princesses and attendants to come forward and join in.

The committee is also working hard finalising the programme to offer everyone’s favourite events as well as a few new additions.

John Davis, a member of the festival committee, said: "We are celebrating our 25th festival this year - an anniversary that is a true testament to the local community, showing the support they have given over the years. "The committee endeavours to bring new events as well as retaining some favourites and this year will offer something for everyone."

Some acts already confirmed in the line up this June include former television presenter Nicholas Parsons, who will be giving a witty and amusing talk about his life in showbusiness, the Bath Gilbert and Sullivan Society and the Harlequin Singers, who are being welcomed back this year.

Also the popular Flowers Band will perform at Chipping Sodbury’s answer to the Last Night of the Proms.

If you play in a music group and you or most of your band are still at school then you can enter this year’s Battle of the Bands competition, which will be held in the town hall on Wednesday, May 5, at 7.30pm. The winner will be the opening act at the festival’s Music in the Street event.

To apply get an application from by emailing davbars@talktalk.net or ring 01454 318949.

The Chipping Sodbury festival will this year run from June 11 to 20 and tickets for the various events go on sale from April 6 at Chipping Sodbury Tourist Information Centre.

Updates on the programme will go on the festival website at www.chippingsodburyfestival.org