GET out your glad rags and prepare to Party in the Park - for free!

Organisers are promising a day to remember with thousands expected to turn

out to the first Party in the Park on Saturday.

It will be the highlight of a fun-packed weekend and, thanks to sponsorship from Crewe and Nantwich Lions, entry won't cost a penny.

Tickets were meant to cost £6 adults, £5 concessions and a family ticket £15, but costs have now been waived after generous backing from the charity group.

Events officer Andrew Latham explained: 'The plan had been to place a two-metre high fence round a section of Queen's Park for Party in the Park ticket holders.

'It was billed as a ticket event but, thanks to the Lions it is now free and we are in a position to make refunds to people who have left their personal details with the booking line.'

Queen's Park in Crewe will provide a stunning backdrop for Party in the Park.

Signal Radio's popular breakfast duo Sam Plank and Verity Price will host the entertainment which gets underway at 4pm with the borough's hunt for a Starquest Champion of Champions.

Talent show winners over the last seven years of Starquest will compete for the title, singing their hearts out on a specially set up stage. The eventual winner will receive £300 and a recording session at Orchard Studios.

From 6pm, there will be a Tribute to the Stars, with the music of Katie Tunstall, Will Young, Shirley Bassey, Cher and Elvis reproduced by tribute acts.

From 8.30pm Andrew Whyment, otherwise known as loveable rogue Kirk Sutherland from Coronation Street, will perform a set with his five-piece band.

His outfit, called Norton, have been told they sound like Paul Weller and Bryan Adams.

Whyment spent three years as a busker in Manchester while at drama college.

A spectacular fireworks display will light up the sky above the park at 9.30pm.

Funds given by the Lions will help cover performance fees and arena set-up costs.

The charity, which raises money through its annual bonfire event in the park and various fairs throughout the year, hopes party-goers will chip in with a donation.

Lions secretary Derek Morgan said: 'We are delighted this fantastic live music show will now be open to all residents of Crewe

band. and Nantwich. All we ask is for people to think of us at the concert.'

Cllr Bill McGinnis, portfolio holder for leisure, added: 'We are exceptionally pleased to be hosting the borough's first ever Party in the Park which promises to be a vibrant and energetic evening of music and entertainment.'