Preston Tringe Festival organisers have announced the first acts to be confirmed for the 2011 festival.

Returning from last year’s event is comedian James Christopher, Manchester Comedy Troupe ‘Stand Up’ and storytelling comic Phil Buckley. Magicians Jason Rea and Derek Gustard are also to return for this years festival, held in a number of city centre venues this summer.

Tringe organiser Sam Buist said: “As ever we have a vibrant mixture of acts lined up so far, some great comedy, theatre, music and much more. We hope these acts spread culture throughout Preston for the duration of Tringe”.

The festival has seen a host of new acts apply for this years event, with comedians, theatre companies, poets and magicians all set to entertain audiences across the city.  Confirmed acts also include comedians Jason Cook and Ian Fox, Performance Poet ‘Freeformer’ and theatre group Madhatters amongst others.

Further acts will be announced over coming weeks, with a full program being released at the end of May. Further details of confirmed acts are available at the Preston Tringe website.

Applications are still being taken for events, with application forms available online and a deadline of 22nd April.

Sam Buist added: “We are always on the lookout for people to make the Tringe happen. We need people to help with Front-of-house, tech work and flyering. If you would like to get involved in Tringe email info@prestontringe.co.uk”

The Tringe festival is scheduled to begin on Thursday 21^st July and will run until Sunday 31^st July.