BOURNEMOUTH’S Family Festival is gearing up to be the biggest and best yet, according to organisers.

The event takes place in Meyrick Park on Thursday, July 26 and features a whole host of activities, information and entertainment for families of all ages.

Titan the Robot will be performing in the arena and also performing will be up-and-coming artist I Am Tich, who as well as taking to the stage will be chatting to the other young bands performing about how she got into the music industry.

Children can enjoy face painting, pony rides, bouncy castles, fossil hunting and children’s entertainment, while there will also be bungee jumping, go-kart rides, zorbing and bands to keep teenagers amused.

Young aspiring chefs can also take part in a baking competition for five to 16-year-olds – entry forms must be submitted by June 29 – and the Children’s Centre marquee will have activities for children aged up to five.

In addition, there will be more than 200 information stalls manned by local businesses, charities and services, to showcase what the town has to offer to people of all ages.

Organiser Julian Sandy, the council’s Early Years community engagement officer, said: “It’s to showcase what we have in Bournemouth to local residents.

“Everything about Bournemouth will be at this festival.

“It’s a fun day, it’s a youth festival and it’s a family information day, that’s families from nought to 100 years.

“We do have services for older people, we have Age UK coming, we have the University of the 3rd Age and we have the Soroptomists.

“It’s the biggest play day in the whole of Dorset.

“Last year saw over 20,000 people come through the park.”

Entry to the event, which takes place from 10am to 6pm, is free, but there is no parking on site, so visitors are advised to use nearby town centre car parks or public transport.

To find out more, or for a baking competition entry form, visit bournemouth.gov.uk/familyfestival, email julian.sandy@bournemouth.gov.uk or call 01202 456295.