ORGANISERS are hoping that thousands of people will turn out tomorrow for the start of Princes Risborough Town Festival.

The festival opens with a fancy dress competition and parade through the town, a change from previous years. The winner of the fancy dress will be presented with the Keith Beill trophy, named in honour of the former festival chairman.

In all there will be around 80 events, including 27 new ones, at the festival which is on the theme of Fairy Tales.

Current chairman Kevin Kelly said: "The festival always starts on the Saturday but nothing happens so we thought, this year, if we brought forward the fancy dress, it would officially open the Risborough festival. I'm looking forward to it."

The start is intended for the children, with bouncy castles on King George V Playing Fields among the attractions. There are also live bands playing in the town throughout the week.

Other events include open days, walks and quizzes.

Princes Risborough School, Merton Road, is hosting a quiz on Wednesday, awarding the shield originally used by Risborough Community Association.

Sports-wise, there is a big six-a-side football tournament on the first weekend for juniors at Wades Park, Stratton Road, as well as rambles, cricket matches and a cycle ride on the newly-opened Phoenix Trail.

The second Saturday sees the Festival Street Fair with more than 70 stalls set up by town groups.

Mr Kelly said: "Everyone should have a great time and if the weather stays as it is they'll be no stopping them."

The festival ends on July 8 with a 10km road race running through Saunderton and Horsenden, starting at 10am, a chocolate hunt for children in Whiteleaf Cross car park area and a church service at the Baptist Church, Bell Street, at 6pm.