THE 2010 Penarth Summer Festival is on its way!

The Town Council is pleased to announce that arrangements for the Summer Festival are well in hand.

The programme is varied and has something for everyone to enjoy, and the theme again for the Festival is the Pirates of Penarth.

The free programme of events will be inserted into the June 24 edition of the Penarth Times. It will also be distributed through the schools, door-to-door, via the usual outlets throughout the town, and in various public buildings.

The annual Carnival Day with the customary fireworks display will be on Saturday, July 10, when you can look forward to the following activities from 2.45pm on the Esplanade/Cliff Tops:

*Police helicopter to kick off proceedings off shore

*RNLI/RAF (Sea King Helicopter) rescue display off shore

*RAF Hawk display

*Helicopter rides from the cliff tops (Rise helicopters)

*Water ski displays by Penarth Water Ski Club

*Punch and Judy on the Pier

*The Summer Festival parade

*Great food and refreshments from local traders

*Variety of stalls along the Esplanade

*Live entertainments into the evening

*Firework display

And for the first time a Down Hill Derby has been arranged for all those adrenalin junkies (or big kids) out there who want to build and ride a go-kart down Cliff Hill.

If you are interested in taking part contact Keri Hutchings at Penarth Town Council on 029 2071 3843 Chairman of the Leisure and Amenities Committee, Cllr Anthony Ernest said: "I would like to thank everyone involved in the programme of events this year for giving their time and energy.

"I wish to encourage everyone to take a look at the brochure when available and support these community events being staged by your friends and neighbours."

Carnival Day will start with the parade gathering outside at West House at 1.15pm and will end with the traditional firework display off the Pier at 10pm.

(BLOB) This year for the third time and in addition to the Esplanade activities, Penarth Youth Project (PYP), Vale Youth Service will be staging an event L8R for 13 to 17-year-olds in the Kymin House and grounds from 6pm to 10.30pm.

To make the event easier to steward the gates of both Windsor Gardens and Alexandra Park will close at 6pm on July 10.

CALLING all residents of Penarth who wish to see the parade: If you/your school/or organisation would like to be part of the parade you are all welcome. Contact the Town Council for the entry form.

At 1.15pm a classic car, motorcycle and Pirates of Penarth fancy dress parade will assemble and be judged in the grounds of West House.

Inspector Chris Owen of Penarth police has kindly agreed that the parade can then travel along Stanwell Road, Bradenham Place, Hickman Road through the town centre to Beach Road and the Esplanade, where the prize giving will take place.

The walking entries will be accompanied by the Samba Band, a professional walking band.

The Summer Festival working group wishes to appeal to individuals, clubs, pubs and organisations to participate in the parade to ensure its success and to act as a showcase of the talent and sense of fun that exists in the town.

Last year the Cogan Coronation won the pub/club category and are the custodians of the Golden Lion Perpetual Cup.

This year there is a new parade category of best dressed bicycle. There will be cash prizes for all categories and trophies for overall winners.

This event is open to all but if you have any special needs or concerns in relation to carnival day, contact Keri Hutchings at the Town Council offices, Applications for the Pirates of Penarth fancy dress parade are available from the Penarth Town Council offices: tel 029 2070 0721 or email: enquiries@penarth-tc.gov.uk