JOHN Lennon once famously said the Beatles were more popular than Jesus.

Not to be outdone, the leader of North Wiltshire District Council has said she thinks the district's festival, held every two years, is better than seeing an ex-Beatle in concert.

Council leader Carol O'Gorman said she had seen Paul McCartney live in Paris but the atmosphere was not as good as the North Wiltshire Festival two years ago.

This year's event will take place on July 21 and 22 in Monkton Park, Chippenham.

The website for the event went live on Tuesday and council chiefs said businesses are already queuing up to be involved.

Cllr O'Gorman said she was already getting goosebumps about it.

"I have seen Paul McCartney playing in Paris and the Rolling Stones in Twickenham," she said.

"There was a better atmosphere at the North Wiltshire Festival than either of them.

"It is a mix between a business and a community event.

"Two years ago there were thousands of people and it will be as big or bigger this year.

"It is completely free for people to come to and it is all paid for by sponsorship.

"People can come along with their picnics and it is great to see all age ranges, from the tiny dots to their grandparents."

The festival, which has been running for eight years will end with a music finale and a firework display, sponsored by Westinghouse Rail Systems and Frontier Fireworks.

Two years ago the Abba tribute band Bjorn Again played to a packed park as part of the final event.

More than 100,000 people over two days attended the 2004 festival and around 25,000 enjoyed the musical finale.

It was marred only slightly when former Brookside actress Jennifer Ellison, who was booked to appear, failed to turn up.

The last festival was rescued from the brink of collapse after project leader Steve Cox quit in February, leaving the district council to pick up the pieces.

Council spokesman Paul Langcaster said: "Bjorn Again were absolutely fantastic when they played two years ago.

"There is a limit to how much we can spend on acts but hopefully we can get some really good bands.

"We are also looking for local bands as well to perform. Anyone that is interested should contact Barbara Gray at the district council."

For more information log on to www.northwilts.gov.uk/festival