On Thursday evening the Whittington Link will come alive with music, art, performance and food.

Cheetham Ward Councillor Rod Macdonald encouraged locals to come along and enjoy the community event.

'A group of young people came up with the name 'Flamefest' and concept for the 2008 Whittington community festival', said Cr Macdonald.

'A lot of planning has gone into the event and it's been a real collaborative effort involving our local community development workers, Whittington Primary School, Glastonbury, Leisure Networks and Diversitat.'

'The highlight will be the twilight lantern parade starting at 8.00pm. All the kids from the primary school have been busy creating lanterns with our community artist Julian Chapple, and will be part of the parade. There will be lanterns, fire pictures, a giant puppet performance with African drumming and DJ music to accompany the parade.'

'Come along - it's all free and will be a fabulous night for the whole family', said Cr Macdonald.

Whittington Flamefest
5.00-8.30pm Thursday 20 March
Whittington Link

Youth stage
5.00pm The Houses
5.30pm Finale of the Whittington Idol competition (with local young people competing  for the main prize of an Ipod).
6.30pm The Rustys
7.00pm Local youth showcasing their DJ talents.

Workshop tent
Try karate, belly dancing, hip hop and circus skills.

There will be kids activities, a roller-door art exhibition, stalls, face painting, skate ramps, mini hot rods, jumping castle and more!

Come to the registration tent on arrival to receive a free food and drink voucher.