ASTLEY Park will come alive to the sound of music this summer!

On Saturday, July 5, Chorley's first music festival hits the historic park, giving the town's talent a chance to shine in a crowd which, it is hoped, will be thousands strong.

Called Music Heaven '97, and backed by Red Rose Radio, organisers are promising something for everyone, with music varying from modern-day indie to string quartets.

And although preparations for the concert have been under way for some time, the real work starts this week after council officials gave their backing to the event.

A spokesman for the group behind Music Heaven said: "We hope most of the acts will be from Chorley.

"Chorley has a high concentration of talented musicians and this will be the ideal stage for un-signed acts.

"Throughout the day we hope to have six main bands, with various different acts playing as well.

"There will be all sorts of music, including string quartets and acoustic duos as well as the main acts. We just hope the weather is good."

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