An annual Irish festival is expected to attract up to 5,000 people when it opens in Crawley at the weekend.

The seventh Crawley Irish Festival will give people the chance to enjoy top Irish entertainers as well as traditional music and dancing displays by two schools.

The event, which has been growing in popularity over the past six years, attracts people from all over the country.

Martin Cuffe from Donegal will top the bill at the festival, which takes place on Southgate playing fields in Crawley.

He will be supported by bands including Hungry Grass, Juno the Band and Starfish.

Fair Trade and Trim the Velvet will be performing again on the traditional acts' stage.

Between sets from the bands will be dancing displays by the O'Brien School of Dancing from Crawley and Lynch school, based in Leatherhead, Surrey.

For those who want to join in, an open dance competition will run all day in a separate marquee.

In the nearby sports area, the entertainment will include a Gaelic football match between London County, who play in the All Ireland Championship, and a South of England team.

There will also be a tug-of-war tournament for both men and women, separate sports activities for children and a fun fair for everyone.

There will be a selection of stalls and an ample supply of food and refreshments, including a well-stocked bar.

The event on Sunday runs from noon to 6pm. Entry costs £2 per person, with free entry for children and pensioners. Parking is available at £1 per car.

Included in the programme will be a chance to win a week's holiday in Ireland.

In the evening, a festival dance will be held at the Civic Hall. Martin Ruddy and his band will provide the music. The dance starts at 9pm and entry cost £7.

Money raised from the festival will be donated to St Francis Primary School; Our Lady Queen of Haven Primary School; St Wilfrid's Senior School; and the Lourdes fund.

For further information, contact festival chairman Bob Martin on 01293 416301 or David Newcombe on 01293 533000.