PREPARE yourself for a feast of fun and culture because the bigger and better Callington Festival kicks off today (Thursday) and lasts a whole ten days.
Music, theatre, comedy and film are on the cards with the two highlights of the town's events calendar the Lions family fun day (formerly gala day) and the carnival both taking place during the extravaganza.
The festival, now in its third year, has raised more than £20,000 for charity during that time.
Leading festival organiser and Callington town councillor Rick Lumley said it was a really good sign of how the town council, Rotary and Lions clubs were working together to promote Callington.
'There is a wealth of talent in the community itself and this is a wonderful opportunity to showcase this alongside visiting performers from further afield, including the likes of Mervyn Stutter who has been at the Edinburgh Festival for 20 years and features on Radio Two, Four and Seven,' said Mr Lumley.
'We are aiming to equal or better the £10,000 we have raised over the last two years and all the proceeds will go to designated charities supported by the performers and Lions and Rotary clubs.'
The festival programme begins this evening with a film showing of Sister Act 2, starring Whoopi Goldberg, specially requested by the Callington Community Gospel Choir, followed by the highly successful young people's Friday Night Project hosting a family night the following evening.
The Lions fun day with an 'It's a Knockout' competition takes place on Saturday (July 9) and Loveny Male Voice Choir will perform their 40th anniversary concert in the evening.
Tamar Transport Club's Festival of Transport takes place on July 10 at Polhilsa Farm with live music, dog show and crafts and will be followed by a 1960s 'Dreamboats and Petticoats' disco (fancy dress optional) in the town hall.
Other events during the week include Callington Town Band in concert, a theatre-cum-educational workshop for more senior members of the community, based on the internet, which will include some scriptwriting and be turned into a youth theatre musical play entitled 'The Blue Bird' by Oksigen Theatre and the Dante Quartet.
Another Helping of Mervyn Stutter, who had the audience in hysterics back in May when he performed in the town hall, is the headline act for the week. A founder member of the Flying Pickets, this performer will tell stories and sing songs, poke fun at himself and the Baby Boomer generation.
'He's absolutely tremendous,' said Mr Lumley. 'So if you missed him last time, be sure not to this time.'
Callington Carnival lights up the town on Saturday afternoon and get your vantage spot in Fore Street early because around 3.35pm there will be a surprise involving up to 200 young people and other entertainment to get the crowd going.
For more information about the festival and to book tickets go to the website: callingtoncave.weebly.com or contact the town hall on 01579 384039.