THE centre of Bournemouth will be buzzing with entertainment during the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations.

The four-day Family Festival of Fun is being staged by voluntary group Difference Makers in association with Bournemouth Borough Council. Proceeds go to the Mayor's Charities.

The fun happens from June 1 to 4 from 11am to 10pm on each of the four days except for Tuesday 4th.

Clowns, jugglers, and a host of other street entertainment will be taking place through the Lower Gardens to Pier Approach.

There will be a variety of children's art workshops, children's fairground rides, dancing and martial arts demonstrations.

On Monday June 3 the famous Bournemouth Spiderman Carnival Band will march through the gardens and entertain the crowds with their antics and music opposite the Pier Entrance.

A musical evening will be staged at 7.30pm in the Pier Theatre on June 3 courtesy of the After Eight Singers. Tickets for the Jubilee Years Show are £5 and are available from the BIC box office.

The Bandstand in the lower gardens will be used by bands including a German pipe band and a Caribbean-style steel band.

There will be a Jubilee Princess and Queen contest on Tuesday 4th and also children's fancy dress contests for up to 5 years of age on Sunday and 6-12 and 12-15 year olds on Tuesday.

There is no theme for younger children but older children are asked to dress in the theme of the swinging fifties.

The Festival also includes a Young Pop Idol singing talent contest sponsored by The Opera House for young singers aged from five to 15.

The winner scoops a session in a recording studio and £50.

Visitors will also get the chance to check out a holistic fair with alternative therapies including Indian Head Massage.

On Saturday 1, the Stagecoach Arts School is running a workshop and there will be further arts workshops for the children on Monday and Tuesday.

Crusty the Clown and Mr Merlin the magician will lead the fun in the Kiddies' Corner opposite the Bournemouth Eye Balloon.

Co-organiser David Thompson of Difference Makers said: "We urge everyone to come along to celebrate the life of Bournemouth and the showcase of young up and coming talent.

"We support the Queen and we are celebrating her Majesty's reign and everything that she has brought to this country."

All young wannabe pop stars who want to enter the children's talent competition can telephone Paul Crack on 01202 395002.