The Budleigh Salterton’s Gala Week programme has been released. The Lions Club has organised a host of entertainment, including some new events during the week, May 28 - June 5.

The organisers of Budleigh Salterton’s Gala Week are urging people to buy tickets now to avoid disappointment.

The annual fun-filled event, organised by Budleigh Salterton Lions Club, runs from Saturday, May 28, until Sunday, June 5 and, as in previous years, promises a host of family fun and entertainment.

Old favourites return to this year’s programme as well as some new events – including a cinema, tea dance and big band competition.

Back by popular demand is Spot the Stranger, where competitors could win a top prize of �25.

Lion and Gala week organiser Geoff Paver said: “It is another fun filled week with new events, and all the old favourites, although they could be on a different day, so it is important to get your programmes and buy tickets as soon as possible, so as to avoid disappointment.”

The Big Budleigh Breakfast, in aid of Cancer Research UK, kick-starts Gala Week for the 11th year running.

Later, the town’s royal family will be followed by a procession of children through the town, ahead of the crowning of the gala queen and princesses.

The fun rocks into the night with a pirates’ night in the Public Hall, organised by Budleigh Salterton Carnival Club.

The popular family dog show, children’s pavement artist competition and family treasure hunt are just some of a plethora of events held over the weekend.

A pebble-building contest, wine tasting, children’s fancy dress parade, exhibition at Salem Chapel, East Budleigh, and a cookery demonstration have also been planned for the early part of the festivities.

The popular children’s cycle competition is again included in this year’s programme, while younger tots are invited to Budleigh’s bugs and butterflies in the Methodist Church Hall.

Budleigh’s Film Society will show Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, with five lucky youngsters winning a prize.

A tabletop sale, cash bingo and storytelling for youngsters are some of the events at the end of the week.

A bumper sale, summer fete and battle of the bands take the entertainment into the final day on Sunday, when the fun draws to a close.

No Gala Week is complete without the family fun run, setting off from the Lime Kiln car park.

As in previous years, the Feathers Hotel will hold a quiz night, rounding off the 2011 gala celebrations.

? A full programme of events is available throughout the town, priced 50p.