THE final touches are being made to preparations for Party in the Park.

And the weather forecast is paving the way for the headline act clear Blue skies.

Organisers are expecting around 13,000 people to fill into Lydiard Park this weekend for the music event.

The huge stage has taken shape and a mile of fencing erected ready for the crowds to descend.

More than 3,000 are due to turn out for the Classical Picnic and Proms tonight with 10,000 for the pop concert featuring charting-topping boy band Blue tomorrow.

Despite earlier indications that the heavens were planning to open for the occasion, the latest verdict is that Friday will dry out ready for a sunny Saturday.

"We are delighted the weather is looking good for the weekend," said festival director Neil Cooper.

"It should help with ticket sales and make sure everyone has a good time."

Festivalgoers will be treated to almost six hours of live pop music tomorrow.

Headliners Blue are set to perform a stunning live show which has already sold out in major city arenas, entertaining fans with their latest single Bubblin', as well as popular hit songs including All Rise, One Love, Fly By and Breathe Easy.

Also appearing are Mobo award nominee Jamelia and Pop Idol heart throb Darius.

The audience will also be entertained by The Commitments, who are flying in from Dublin, The 411, who have recently enjoyed a huge hit with their debut single On My Knees and their new single Dumb released on Monday, and Freefaller, who have been likened to Busted.

Tonight, people and their picnics will pack out the park to relax to the sounds of the Proms and the sights of the firework spectacular.

The classical event will include music from the English National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Jae Alexander. Guest soprano Sarah Ryan, fresh from the hugely popular London musical Jerry Springer The Opera, will also be appearing.

Performances start at 7pm on today and 4pm tomorrow.

Tickets are available from the Oasis Leisure Centre, Link Centre, GWR's reception and the Tourist Information Centre in Swindon until the gates open at 5pm today and 2pm tomorrow.

Make it a night to remember with the Adver's very own goody bag

The Evening Advertiser Promotions Team and Alfie the Adver Alligator will be at Party in the Park tomorrow and if you buy your Evening Advertiser

from them you will also receive a Blue poster to support the headlining band plus a tremendous goody bag on offer containing fantastic samples and money saving offers.

Your Goody bag includes:

Free Jam Doughnut* from Greggs

GREGGS South West, the leading bakery and take-away specialist is offering every reader a jam doughnut FREE - an offer sure to tempt your taste buds.

Greggs is famous for its delicious, freshly baked savouries and sandwiches.

There are more than 30 Greggs shops throughout the South West.

Lyons Original coffee.

This delicious smooth tasting coffee is made using a unique blend of coffee beans from around the world.

But, not only does it taste great, Lyons Original also gives you an assurance that your purchase will directly benefit coffee farms.

This commitment sees Lyons directly investing to improve the conditions for those that live and work in coffee farming communities.

£5 off entrance to LEGOLAND voucher

This voucher entitles a maximum of 5 people, £5.00 off full admission price per person to LEGOLAND Windsor.

Children under 3 years of age are free.This voucher must be presented upon entrance into LEGOLAND Windsor. It is not to be used in-conjunction with any other offer, reward/loyalty programme, 2 day ticket, annual pass, group booking, on line tickets, rail inclusive offers or Exclusive Event or Concert - please call for more information on dates and times.

This voucher is not for re-sale, is non-refundable and non-transferable. Take advantage of this great offer before the park closes on 31st October 2004. PLEASE call 08705 040404 in advance to confirm dates and prices.

McArthurGlen Designer Village EXTRA SAVINGS - 10% OFF voucher.

Enjoy even more savings on your shopping at McArthurGlen Swindon! Simply take along your leaflet to the information desk at the designer outlet, from today to 11 September, where you will be able to exchange it for a 10% Discount Card. The card offers extra savings in selected stores.

Sula sweets

We are ready to bring you a refreshing taste of summer with Sul, the great-tasting sugar-free sweets.

Sul sugar-free sweets are not only kind to teeth but they also taste absolutely delicious and we have lots to give away.

Also included is a £5 Body Shop discount voucher

Now you can save £5 when you order from The Body Shop at Home, and delicious Corn Thins and Blistex lip reviving samples.

Meet Alfie and the team, pick up your Evening Advertiser, goody bag and poster from the Evening Advertiser Promotions stand on Saturday.

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