THE organisers were keeping one eye on the weather this morning as the Fisherton Street Festival prepared to kick into gear.

It’s the second year of the event and, while the predictions are for a dry morning followed by a wet afternoon, there was signs of a great deal of preparation for an event that attracted over 7,000 people last year.

The Salisbury Journal backed festival is set to feature over 100 different features and stall.

There is a Chinese Dragon on standby with over 25 stands and music features. There will be drama and story-telling, plus dancing.

The event was due to get underway at 10am this morning and run through until 6pm. There will be food from over 30 countries on sale, wine and

Fisherton Street will be transformed for a big street party and organisers it will be bigger and better than last year. There is also craft and artisan stalls.

Festival organiser Steve Dauwalder said: “Following a turnout of over 7,000 people last year, we have laid the whole event out in a more accessible way using up more of Fisherton Street with more room to move around attractions.”

On the main stage there are local bands and covers including the Absolute Buble Michael Buble Tribute band. The festival will also be welcoming back Casa de Samba who will be getting Salisbury in the Rio mood ready for this summer’s Olympic Games.

There is a great emphasis on dance this year with dance troop Lindy Club, sponsored by Salisbury Journal, appearing, who are a dance troop featuring 13 professional dance couples.

And there will be live music and drama in the yard at Fisherton Mill and in the Foyer of Salisbury Playhouse.

Also visitors can catch a display from the Yi Quin Chinese dragon.

For families there are children’s activities taking place in the street and Elim Church and for those who want a quieter moment there will be poetry and storytelling in the United Reformed Church.

To add to the street carnival feel everyone is encouraged to turn up in fancy dress inspired by national dress or film and television.