Gosport has come up with yet another impressive line-up of goodies for its Connections Festival this year.

The community-based event involves as many local organisations and groups as possible to wow crowds with a dazzling display of talent.

This includes a Gosport Silver Band Gala Concert on Sunday, at Trinity Green Bandstand, and a spectacular recreation of the famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom, complete with Tower organist Mike Slater, also on Sunday, in Thorngate Halls.

And for the first time there is a chance for the public to visit working studios.

Potter Carenza Hayhoe will be opening her premises in Alverstoke each Wednesday in July, while the Original Works Company is opening its interior home accessories studio by appointment throughout the month.

Festival event coordinator for Gosport Bor-ough Council, Lyn Colbeck, said: "This is the ideal showcase for our many and varied thriving community groups.

"People don't always fully appreciate what a terrifically busy, buzzy community this is.

"It is alive with different groups and so much is going on that we, as a community, should encourage and be proud of it all.''

Connections '99 Festival is the second to be held in the town and this year is hoping to encourage more people in the community to air their talents.

Adam Hill, one of the town's most-talented youngsters, is to premiere his musical extravaganza Sine Caritas at Bay House School, on Monday and Tuesday.

A full programme packed with events can be picked up from the Tourist Information Centre, High Street, Gosport.

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