The streets of Medway will be buzzing with the sights and sounds of performers from the world of theatre, dance, music and literature this summer.

The Fuse Festival has secured an £80,000 grant from Arts Council England South East to help fund this year's extravaganza.

The 2008 celebration of arts and creativity takes place across the Medway Towns from Saturday, May 31 to Saturday, June 14.

During the festival, organised by Medway Council’s Arts Development Team, streets, venues and open spaces will buzz with the sights and sounds of some of the newest and most unusual performers from Medway and further afield.

Being different, diverse and daring is at the heart of the programme. Last year’s highlights included speed painter Jon Hicks, music from Billy Childish, bingo with drag act Ida Barr and pyrotechnics from The World Famous.

Returning acts include the 20ft high dinosaurs which delighted visitors to Rochester; the Hei People who graced the slopes of Fort Amherst until vandals struck; and a singing Chatham nun.

The festival website and brochure is now available. Visit www.fusefestival.org.uk to sign up for a festival e-newsletter or call 01634 338338.