FESTIVAL and Fringe fever is gripping Brighton and Hove with a gigantic Fatboy Slim, a towering Disco Pete, a fanfare of giant horns and oodles of fireworks set to launch a month of festivities.

Brighton Festival officially launches tomorrow with the annual Children's Parade due to snake its way through the city with thousands of youngsters showing off giant Brighton-inspired marionettes and costumes.

More than 80 schools and community organisations take part and more than 5,000 children are expected on the parade.

Meanwhile Brighton Fringe will kick off with a giant fireworks display from the top of St Peter's Church and a launch party at outdoor festival village The Warren.

Elsewhere the Clock Tower on Queen's Road has been adorned with giant trumpets and chequerboard flags by artist Bec Britain to celebrate the launch of the festival.

As part of their preparation for community arts charity Same Sky's Children's Parade, which this year has the theme 'Brighton Celebrates', Meridian Community Primary School got a very special visit for their muse Fatboy Slim.

School pupils voted on what their inspiration should be and the superstar DJ was chosen.

Pupils will march through Brighton wearing Hawaiian shirts and big headphones while grooving to tunes such as Weapon of Choice and carrying a giant bust of Norman Cook.

Fatboy went along to the a school assembly and answered children's questions, such as how he become a DJ.

Rachel Ebeling, reception teacher at the school, said: "I think the children were a little star struck.

"We did not tell them until the morning he was coming. They were buzzing.

She added: "He was put forward by the headteacher and we have been teaching the children about who he is and giving him a taster of his music."

Following his visit Fatboy tweeted he was "chuffed to bits" by his giant replica.

A giant dancing puppet of Brighton-icon and groovy pensioner Disco Pete has been unveiled by artist Paul Render which was previewed outside the Same Sky base in Belmont Street.

Aldrington Primary School also shared some of their creations with mini i360s and starling murmurations.

The Children's Parade kicks off at 10.30am on Saturday in Kensington Street, while the fringe firework spectacular is tonight at 9pm at St Peter's Church.