A GIANT Albantide puppet loomed over the launch of the St Albans Festival brochure last week. The festival from June 21 to July 6 will begin with the Albantide Pilgrimage to celebrate Britain s first martyr and will be followed by music and entertainment

A GIANT Albantide puppet loomed over the launch of the St Albans Festival brochure last week.

The festival from June 21 to July 6 will begin with the Albantide Pilgrimage to celebrate Britain's first martyr and will be followed by music and entertainment across the district in parks, pubs, theatres and streets.

It will feature the first St Albans Food and Drink Festival, celebrating everything that is great to eat and drink in the district, and on Sunday, June 22, the market will host the St Albans Festival for Life, a free celebration of arts, sports, environment, health and the community in which more than 50 local organisations will be taking part.

SAVE (St Albans Values Energy) Roadshow will be held in the Town Hall and packed with displays, workshops, freebies and competitions around helping the environment.

Big names such as Paul Merton, Jimmy Carr and Boy George together with legendary bands such as The Zombies will be appearing in the city while Guerilla Galleries and Guerilla Gigs - visual arts and music - will be performed in unexpected spaces across the district.

St Albans Tour Guides are hosting a series of walks and Folk at the Festival will present a packed programme of music, dance and workshops.

During the last weekend, the fourth FUZE World Music Festival will be celebrating dance, including performances and workshops in and around the Civic Centre and the Alban Arena.

Richard Shwe, the district council's head of culture and community development, said: "We are delighted that this is our first annual festival which sees the city come alive with music and entertainment in the parks, pubs, theatres and streets and celebrates our rich cultural and heritage diversity across the district."

More information is available from the festival information line on 01727 827667 or send an email to festival@leisureconnection.co.uk or visit the festival website at www.stalbansfestival.co.uk

To book a ticket for a show or event contact the box office on 01727 844488.