The bank holiday fun kicks off in Whissendine on Sunday when the pre-school will be celebrating its 40th anniversary.

To mark the anniversary, the pre-school parents committee will be holding a day of celebration which is open to everyone, especially current and former pupils and staff.

There will be lots of entertainment for all ages including a fun bus, bouncy castle, tennis, bowls, a miniature railway and dog show. Local band An Eyeful of Lara will perform music from Snow Patrol and Coldplay as well as their own material.

And for the first time ever the Whissendine's W Factor Talent Contest will be staged.

Lizzie Bingham, secretary of the Whissendine Pre-School Supporters Committee, said: "Instead of just holding a day for those who are currently at pre-school and those who attended it in the past, we thought it would be more fun to make the day a village event open to everyone young and old.

"Due to the weather lately we've acquired as many marquees as possible for the day, just in case, so whatever the weather everyone will still be able to come and enjoy all the entertainment we have planned."

Refreshments will be available all day, together with local food and craft stalls. The event takes place on Sunday from 11am until 4pm at Whissendine Sports Centre in Melton Road, Whissendine. Admission to the event will be free but all donations given will go to the pre-school and other village clubs.

Celebrations are also taking place in Cottesmore that day to mark the opening of a new sports court in the village.

The court will be opened with a five-a-side football tournament. Teams should contact Baz Brown on (01572) 811119 or register with him on the day to take part.

The event runs from 11am until 2pm and also includes a bouncy castle, barbecue, raffle and refreshments.

Bank holiday Monday sees the return of Braunston May Fair.

Traditional family fun is taking place throughout the day with tug of war contests, a craft fair, dog show, street market, May pole dancing and a vintage car display.

The celebrations will run from 10am to 5pm and the crowning of the May queen will take place at 3pm.

The events take place in and around the village.