Organisers of Tottington’s Big Day Out will be hoping ‘The Curse of the Were-Rabbit’ does not strike when they use the image of Wallace and Gromit star Lady Tottington on their poster.

Animation company Aardman have granted permission to use the image of the character, who was voiced by Helena Bonham Carter in the 2005 film, which organisers hope will offer a novelty gimmick.

The event at Whitehead Gardens on Sunday, July 7 will include performances from six live bands, stalls, a barbecue, a beer tent.

Formerly known as Tottington’s Music in the Park festival, the event has been rebranded and it is hoped it will be better than ever as they enter their 11th year.

Festival organiser Geoff Leach said: “It was the idea of David Lunn — who has recently passed away — to use the image of Lady Tottington, so we have stuck with it.

“It was great to receive permission and it is a nice quirky gimmick to use which hopefully will attract people.”

“It is always a popular event, as people come from all over to visit. It is good for Tottington and helps to get all the community together.”

The first festival took place in 2002 to mark the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and has gone from strength to strength, but Mr Leach is hoping for better weather this time round.

He added: “The first time we did it it poured down from start to finish, all the bands had to perform in a potato van.

“Since then it has gone from hundreds to thousands of people who attend.”

Chapel Street will be closed between 1pm from 6pm on the day, with diversions being put in place to minimise disruption.

Bands appearing include the Tottington Public Band, Cellar Machine, Forgotten Saints, Ryan Duckworth, Colin Barkley and LA 86.

Organisations such as Incredible Edible, Bury FC, Bury Society for the Blind will also be in attendance.

Entry to the festival is free, with proceeds from the stalls going towards refurbishment works at St Ann’s Church Hall.

n Organisers have asked local bands who had agreed to appear at this year’s festival to contact Mr Leach on 01204 880136.

n Those wishing to book a stall should contact Rick Nuttall on 01204 887805.