TRING'S very own fringe festival is getting under way, giving a taster of what events are in store over the coming weeks.

In its 27th year, the Tring Festival has a strong line-up of entertainment for this year, including a meaty presentation of the adaptation Hard To Swallow by Tring Festival Company on June 28.

Based on the true life story of anorexic Catherine Dunbar, the play follows her long and ultimately unsuccessful fight against the tragic illness.

Eileen Reece, one of the festival organisers, says: "Since starting this project we have been amazed how many families have been touched by this illness, whether it is a friend of a friend, a family member or someone in their community."

All ticket sales will go to the National Eating Disorders Association the charity the evening is dedicated to.

The festival continues with Cabaret from July 5 to 10, following the goings-on at the Berlin based Kit Kat Klub and is followed by An Evening with Gary Lineker, from July 13 to 17, the classic relationship comedy about love, sex and football written by Arthur Smith and Chris England shortly after the Italia 90 tournament.

It is set in a hotel room in Spain the day of the World Cup semi-final between England and Germany. Bill and Monica have gone on holiday in an attempt to repair their ailing marriage. Obsessed with football, Bill gives little attention to his wife who dreams of a liaison with Gary Lineker. Trouble really starts to brew when Monica's lover Dan arrives unexpectedly, as does the weaselly Ian and voluptuous German holiday rep Birgitta.

The fringe runs from June 28 to July 3 and includes A Night at the Opera 2, a nostalgic trip back to the 70s with Planet Funk and a concert by Tring Choral Society.

Eileen adds: "We have made sure that the festival programme has something for everyone, from children's entertainment to adult plays, musicals and music bands."

For more information on the festival, visit www.courttheatre.co.uk or call the box office on 01442 824673/4.