Chichester Festivities from June 27 to July 13

LULU & THE LOVETRAIN STEAM INTO CHICHESTER FOR 34TH FESTIVITIES

One of pop's most enduring and best loved Sixties stars, Lulu, will spearhead a dazzling global music line up as Chichester celebrates its 34th Festivities from June 27 to July 13. And the pint sized pop diva will absolutely be making you want to ‘shout' during the 17 day festival of virtually non-stop entertainment.

One of the UK's leading arts festivals, Chichester is renowned for its feast of music but offers much more. With some 150 events on offer in the main programme, audiences will be spoilt for choice as the city plays host to leading names from politics, current affairs, comedy, literature and art with headline events at Chichester Cathedral and other key venues in the city. Just a few of the exciting offerings are highlighted below.

MUSIC
The 2008 Festival, sponsored by the Chichester Observer, will get off to an explosive start on June 27, when "Lovetrain" - a salute to the music of the Sixties and Seventies - steams into town, for the popular annual fireworks concert at the stunning Goodwood Racecourse, which will also include tribute bands The UK Beach Boys and The Illegal Eagles.

Cathedral concerts are already selling fast, including the blockbuster "Bernstein on Broadway" with Carl Davis conducting the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in some of the legendary composer's best loved music as well as three atmospheric candlelit concerts; Chichester Cathedral Choir; St Petersburg's Russian Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra (on its first ever visit to the UK); and one of Britain's finest choirs, Ex Cathedra. There are also dazzling violinist recitals, performances from one of the world's finest flautists, amazing string quartets, and so much more. Meanwhile the architectural gem of St John's Chapel will be the setting for a rich dish of world music

TALKS
A highlight this year will undoubtedly be a rare talk by former hostage Alan Johnston, the BBC correspondent who endured 114 days in captivity at the hands of the Army of Islam. Further talks will be given by former MP Oona King and The Guardian's drama critic Michael Billington, while broadcaster John Humphrys tackles religious beliefs head on following on from his book and provocative Radio 4 series "Humphrys in Search of God". Controversial artist Maggi Hambling, whose Michael Jackson portrait was refused by the Royal Academy, is in conversation with distinguished sculptor Philip Jackson while Daily Telegraph travel writer Christopher Somerville gives an illustrated talk on Britain's wild places, with his sister Julia. Other talks have a distinct Asian flavour from historian and travel writer John Man, Chinese writer Sun Shuyun and BBC3 presenter Michael Wood.

ARTS
The first Saturday will see the biggest free community event of the festival with the spectacular sixth Harmonic Convergence street procession signalled by the rumbling of African drums at the Market Cross. The city's North and East Streets will be ablaze with a stunning procession of some 400 lantern bearers and tricyclists weaving their way to an exuberant finale at Cathedral Green.

The annual art challenge Paint the City has been renamed Go Create! giving participants the chance to create myriad art works on location reflecting Chichester and its environs. There will be "art stations" at Chichester Canal Basin and Pallant House Gallery with a professional artist on hand to offer advice.

COMEDY
Comedy comes courtesy of enduring entertainer Barry Cryer and award-winning comedian and author Mark Watson as well as a show by Tim Fitzhigham about his successful quest to be the first person to row across the Channel in an antique copper bath!

The festival is completed by numerous exhibitions, guided walks and other fringe events. With so much on offer it makes sense to visit for as long as possible. The district is home to an abundance of delightful hotels, B&Bs and country cottages so whatever your style there is somewhere to stay and enjoy all the fun, while throughout the district there is also a myriad f delicious choices of eateries to enjoy!

For more information visit www.chifest.org.uk. Book your tickets for the festivities by telephone from June 2 by calling 01243 780192. For further details on places to stay in the District of Chichester please visit www.visitchichester.org