THIS year’s Daily Echo backed Party In The Park festival in Ashley Cross is set to be one to remember.

The popular annual shindig takes place over the August bank holiday (23-24) making it a two-day event.

With a colourful carnival theme you can expect a veritable feast of live music and family fun. But what really makes it stand out is the announcement that Notting Hill legends DJ Norman Jay and DJ Jazzie B of Soul II Soul will be headlining each day.

In a rare departure, Norman and Jazzie are swapping Notting Hill for Parkstone Green as Party in the Park runs over the same weekend and event organiser, Jane Jones, promises the same vibrant carnival atmosphere: “Headliners are a step away from the norm,” explains Jane.

“Its carnival time folks and this year we’ve really pushed the boat out. We’ve got the big names, the local DJs and bands and the kid’s zone is bigger and better than ever with more surprises to be announced soon.

“Music dudes will be aware that Notting Hill Carnival happens the same weekend and what we’ve done is brought the carnival to you by introducing two great headline acts for each day, namely Norman Jay (MBE) and Jazzie B (OBE). These mighty acts will bring our party to an end each day with their trademark sounds.”

This year’s Party in the Park chosen charity is Lewis Manning hospice. There will also be the usual eclectic mix of local foods, drink, craft stalls and a number of live bands and entertainment.

“We have a fabulous entertainment programme,” adds Jane who has been running the award-winning event for the last 13 years.

“Party in the Park is for everyone.

“It’s the one big event that will bring people together over the last weekend of the summer.”

Tickets are expected to sell fast, so you’d better lively up yourself and get your act together quick. Tickets cost £6 per day or VIP ticket £20 per day including a glass of bubbly or £36 for a weekend VIP ticket.

Children under 12 go either for free (one per adult) or just £3 for extra tickets per child.

There are a limited amount of VIP and early bird tickets, so please visit partyintheparkpoole.com for more information.

You can also get hold of tickets via Poole Lighthouse 0844 406 8666 or lighthousepoole.co.uk