Last updated 20:17, Thursday, 28 August 2008

ORGANISERS of Workington’s biggest free festival are gearing up for the event tomorrow.

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IN THE RED: Members of Workington Rotary Club

It is hoped that Paint the Town Red, sponsored by the Times & Star, will attract about 50,000 visitors to the town.

The line-up includes Liverpool comic and actor Ricky Tomlinson, best known for his portrayal of layabout Jim Royle in the television series The Royle Family, who will be on the main stage on the Udale Street Car Park to kick off the festival at 10.15am.

There be acts on the main stage from 11am onwards, including Western 1940s-style swing band Swing Commanders, soul singer Jimmy James and girl band Irresistible.

Colourful carnival band the Barracudas will be marching through the streets, while anyone with a more traditional taste can watch performances by the scarlet-uniformed and black-helmeted army musicians of the King’s Division, and Dearham Brass Band.

Footballing legends including Phil Neal, who played for Liverpool and England, former Reds manager Tommy Cassidy and former Reds captain Bobby Brown are also due to attend.

A cavalcade of BMW Minis will be part of the parade and will form a backdrop to a motor show, stunt driving display and the appearance of famous cars from Keswick’s Cars of the Stars museum.

In the afternoon there will be demonstrations from Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service in Vulcan Park, as well as a chance to play Deal or No Deal in front of Workington Hall.

There will be an opportunity to watch various falconry displays in Curwen Park throughout the morning and afternoon.

A park-and-ride bus service will operate from Stainburn school and Lakes College West Cumbria, Lillyhall.

M-Sport, of Dovenby, the world rally winning team led by Malcolm Wilson, will display a £500,000 car.

There will also be cookery demonstrations from Annette Gibbons and John Crouch at The Greenhouse from 11am and Ian Lewis-Dalby, of The Townhouse, will be putting on a barbecue.

n See facing page for an A-Z guide of events