4000 expected at Church's festival in Princes Street

MASSED choirs, Christian rock bands and a church built out of plastic bottles are promised for Princes Street Gardens when the Church of Scotland stages a five-hour festival in May.

Up to 4000 visitors are expected at the free event, which will include worship, entertainment, displays and stalls highlighting the church's work.

Co-organiser the Rev Dr George Whyte said: "We are there to publicly celebrate the life of the Church of Scotland. It's for those who know nothing about the Church and those who are deeply involved."

The event on May 22 will coincide with the Kirk's General Assembly.

Headline acts include performances of the Easter Play, the Scotland African Massed Choir, New Scottish Arts Chamber Orchestra, Christian rock bands and a massed choir from congregations across the Church of Scotland. There will also be a new church built on the day using recycled plastic bottles.

The event ends with worship at the Ross Bandstand.