LIVE music and firework displays will feature in an exciting line-up of 16 events and festivals taking place in Lancaster and Morecambe this year.

Lancaster City Council approved the 2001 programme of events, which include the return of festivals such as the popular Worldbeat Weekend and the spectacular Festival of Light and Water.

New events for this year include a family-orientated Comedy Festival, and a Remembrance Weekend to take place on November 11.

Other events include a Maritime Festival in April, a Punk Festival and Street Bands Festival in July and a Golf Competition and Jazz Festival in September.

In addition to the main events, LCC's economic development and tourism policy committee also agreed a number of smaller attractions, including the Bands in the Parks festival, a series of lunchtime concerts and a Jacobite Day.

"There really is something for everyone here, from music lovers to sportspeople, families to historians," said committee chairman Coun Paul Morris.

"As well as providing entertainment, often free of charge, to thousands of locals, LCC's events programme is also a magnet to thousands more visitors, many of whom visit the events and then stay in the area."

More details about the festivals are available on the council's website at www.lancaster.gov.uk