Excitement is mounting for the Leyland Festival - and South Ribble businesses and organisations can help make this year's event the best ever.

The two-day festival is being held in the grounds of Worden Park and in Leyland town centre on 7 and 8 July 2012 and it promises to be a great weekend of fun for all the family.

Festivities will get under way with the popular grand parade through the centre of Leyland on the Saturday and there will be a host of entertainment throughout the weekend. Events lined up include a 'Paws in the Park' dog show, classic vehicle displays and craft and community stalls.

More activities will be on offer in the town at South Ribble Museum and the British Commercial Vehicle Museum, which will both have special opening hours over the festival weekend.

Leyland Festival is supported by a wide range of local businesses, and voluntary and community organisations, and there is still time for groups and individuals to get involved.

Organisers are especially keen to hear from anyone who can give up some of their spare time to help out during the weekend, as well as any local businesses or charities interested in taking stalls. Local bands are also being invited to come forward if they would like to join the bill of live performers in Worden Park and Leyland town centre.

Councillor Phil Smith, South Ribble Borough Council's cabinet member responsible for regeneration, leisure and healthy communities, said: "I would encourage as many local businesses and organisations as possible to come on board and help support the Leyland Festival, which is going from strength to strength. Not only will they have a great time, they will also benefit from the huge numbers of visitors coming into the town.

"It's a big weekend in the South Ribble calendar and attracted more than 12,000 people in 2011. While plans for this year's festival are well advanced, there are still opportunities for businesses, charities and organisations to get involved and we'd be delighted to hear from them."

If you would like to help out during the festival, or take a stall or trade stand, please contact the Leyland Festival Committee on 01772 625441 or email festival@southribble.gov.uk