THIS year's Andover Festival programme has now been launched, packed full of events, maps and entertainment that will be taking place over the festival weekend.

Test Valley Mayor Pat West kicked off the launch party with a mention of all the sponsors and supporters who are making the event possible.

"This type of event does not just happen; there is a lot of planning and hard work that goes in to it," said MrsWest.

The brochure is now on sale from most local shops and the cost of the programme is refundable if produced when entering the showground.

The Andover Festival begins on 27 June with the Walls Carnival Funfair.

The carnival procession and a firework display is on 28 June and the popular Andover Show on 29 June.

"The real message is Andover is a great place to live and work despite the doom and gloom we hear about," said Mrs West.