THE SECOND ever Callington Festival kicks-off on Saturday with a mouth-watering feast of entertainment for the whole family lined up.

Preparations started almost as soon as the last float came to a halt at the end of last year's carnival parade and organisers want everyone in the town to join together and celebrate across the generations.

'It's going to be a really vibrant week,' said Portreeve Karen Gold. 'We have had lots of suggestions and ideas and have tried to incorporate as much as possible in the week so there is something to suit everyone.

'It's bigger this year with loads more going on from the teddy bears' picnic for the young children to the tea dance for the more mature and everything in between.'

For the first time the Callington Lions' Gala Day and the carnival will be held on the same day, the fun starts at 1pm on the Saltash Road Recreation Park on Saturday and the carnival procession through the town is from 4.15pm to 5.15pm, with a bumper number of entries.

It is hoped that BBC newsreader George Alagiah, who lives in the Callington area, will be judging the carnival floats and there will be a pipe band and majorettes.

Sunday sees the vintage car rally at Polhilsa Farm and, weather permitting, Miracle's Theatre open air performance of 'Romeo and Juliet' on the Methodist Church field in Haye Road. There will be a wet weather alternative.

As well as the Lions' bingo and Callington Town Band in concert, a trio of local chefs will be presenting a gourmet evening of different styles on July 14 and for the musicians there is an open mic night in the Coachmakers.

The Callington Community Gospel Choir will be performing in St Mary's Church the following night and July 16 sees a Mad Hatter's tea party for the youngsters who can feed their faces and then sit back and watch the box office smash starring Johnny Depp.

On July 17 there is a choice between an American theme night dinner and 'Grease' singalong in the town hall or the sounds of the Tamar Valley Male Voice Choir in the Methodist Church.

Prices for the events have been kept as reasonable as possible and proceeds will be donated to local charities.

Throughout the week art will be displayed in the shop windows in Callington by the Tamar Valley Artists.