Dreams, demons and a giant steel elephant will be among the crazy, colourful attractions at the Streets Of Brighton open air festival.

Plans are being finalised for festival, which runs alongside the Brighton Festival between May 8 and 10.

Now in its ninth year, it has become one of the leading street arts festivals in Europe, regularly attracting audiences of more than 100,000.

The often-bizarre, always-vibrant extravaganza is organised by Zap Productions during the official festival.

Last year, dozens of street performers entertained crowds across the city. North Laine almost came to a standstill as people craned their necks to see gnomes pushing wheelbarrows and jazz-playing pirates on stilts.

The festivities climaxed with a spectacular fire theatre show, organised by French pyrotechnics whizzes, Groupe F.

This year's festival promises to be just as impressive.

Producer Donna Close said: "Things are changing and will be right up until the last minute. Usually we have about 120 companies from around the UK and some international acts taking part.

"On one evening we are hoping there will be a show in the station car park where a huge mountain will be created which will spew out eggs and insects into the audience.

"There will also be a parade celebrating British Asian culture, combining Bollywood movies, contemporary dance and traditional costumes."

This will be led by a steel elephant to a finale including pyrotechnics on the beach.

Other shows are planned for the north garden of St Peter's Church in York Place, Pelham Street car park and the petanque pitch near the West Pier.

Queen's Park will be the venue for a show called Dreams and Demons and a live art installation performance called Painful Creatures.

Most of the larger shows will be designed to attract audiences of 2,000 to 3,000 but there will also be several smaller shows.

The programme has to be approved by a meeting of the culture committee early next month.

Green councillor Keith Taylor said: "We are very pleased to see such a diverse and exciting range of free public entertainment."

But he said more information was needed on how crowds were to be controlled so safety would be ensured.