FORGET Glastonbury – music lovers need look no further than the city’s very own performing arts celebration this weekend as the Alban Street Party welcomes a top rock tribute act.

As part of the Alban Weekend residents and visitors will be treated to a performance by The Horn favourites Kazabian on Sunday, 23 June.

The five-piece will conclude what is set to be a jam-packed day of music and entertainment in the district to celebrate its heritage and history.

Processions led by the Folk Festival and the Mayor will launch the day of activities from 10.15am up until 12noon, at which time a plethora of musical acts step into the spotlight for nine hours.

Speaking about their upcoming performance on the main stage the tribute group said: “We are very excited to perform Kasabian’s anthems to the people of St Albans, can you feel it coming?”

The imitation-band received a ‘thumbs up’ from real-life rockers Kasabian, with lead singer Tom Meighan calling them frighteningly good.

Also billed for the day of dance and music is Ms Desire, a Barbadian Broxbourne-based international recording artist.

The Soca singer, who has drawn comparisons with Rihanna as they are both sponsored by the Barbados Tourism Authority, said: “I wanted to perform at the St Albans Street Party because I haven’t performed in Hertfordshire since 2006 when I entered the ‘Pop Luck’ Competition.

“I have grown so much as a performer since then and I am very excited to showcase this during my performance. Also there is nothing better than performing in your own area.”

Harpenden’s own Britain’s Got Talent star Alice Fredenham will no longer be playing at the party as she has upcoming recording commitments.

The songstress apologised and promised that further live dates would be announced soon.

As well as the main stage, party-goers will be entertained at several other spots in the city including the Vintry Stage at the Village Arcade garden party by the tea rooms, the Market Place stage outside Christopher Place which will showcase dance, and a whole host of folk festival performance locations such as Café Nes, Café Dolce, the Maltings and the Clock Tower.

Celebrations officially start the day before on Saturday, June 22, when the pilgrimage comes through the city centre for the first time and debuts a new puppet modelled on a magistrate.

From 11am the procession will make its way from St Peter’s Church to the Cathedral and sees giant carnival puppets retrace the martyr Alban’s steps.

Eucharist will be held at the Cathedral at 12noon, followed by Evensong at 4pm.

Several roads will be closed during the Alban Weekend, for more information visit: http://www.enjoystalbans.com/whats-on/Alban_Weekend.html