ORGANISERS of Ely s Party in the Park event in mid-August are anticipating soaring temperatures for the weekend long event. The hazy summer daytime temperatures will mean warm summer evenings which will be perfect for the three evening events. More than

ORGANISERS of Ely's Party in the Park event in mid-August are anticipating soaring temperatures for the weekend long event.

The hazy summer daytime temperatures will mean warm summer evenings which will be perfect for the three evening events.

More than 10,000 spectators are expected to visit the series of music and entertainment events scheduled to run over the course of a whole weekend, from the evening of Friday, August 11 through to Sunday 13.

And the weather predictions couldn't be better. Long-range forecasters have predicted a heatwave across Europe in mid-August, issuing a warning that temperatures will soar to well over 100°F (nearly 40°C).

The three-day Party In The Park event, featuring music, circus and entertainment, is being billed as Ely's 'big event', with the district council's tourism and events officer Tracey Harding anticipating that the packed programme of events is set to ensure that Cherry Hill Park will be crammed to capacity.

The event kicks off on the Friday night with a line-up of live bands as part of Electric Eel Exposed. Stepping outside for a spectacular open-air gig, to launch Ely's Big Weekend in style, the main stage will be jam-packed with the dynamic sounds of drums, bass and guitar. The mood changes for Saturday evening when fresh from previous successes with Godspell and Carousel, Ely's own Garden Theatre Company brings you Rodgers & Hart's musical comedy On Your Toes.

Sunday is dedicated to family fun with a festival day sponsored by Q103 Radio and the Ely Standard. Circus, crafts tent, workshops, live children's theatre and sports field create our festival site. Starting at 11am, there will be regular shows and entertainment throughout the day.

The packed weekend which caters for all tastes, finishes with a spot of opera. The Garden Opera Company will be celebrating Mozart's 250 year anniversary with the delicious comic opera Così Fan Tutte (in English). Currently touring throughout the UK, this is a new version of Mozart's timeless and thought-provoking work. This really is opera for everyone.

Mrs Harding said: "We very much hope that the weather predictions are true and that Ely's Big Weekend will be blessed with superb weather. The stunning setting of Ely Park lends itself so beautifully to our evening programmes, in particular, and with the predicted warm weather, quality performances and the champagne on ice, there won't be a better place to be."

INFO: To book your tickets in advance, call the box office on 01353 616991 or visit: www.adec.org.uk.