PENARTH Operatic and Dramatic Society (PODS) will be opening the entertainment at this year's Penarth Summer Festival.

Penarth Summer Festival returns to the seafront for the first time in two years on Saturday, July 16.

First held in the 1960s, the festival will have live music, entertainment and refreshments as well as the Downhill Derby.

The Downhill Derby is a race between crews who have built human-powered carts, not disimilar to the famous Red Bull Soapbox race.

Kicking off the entertainment will be more than 20 members of PODS musical departments who will take to the stage at midday.

The group will perform various songs from productions such as Mamma Mia and We Will Rock You.

PODS head of musicals, Kim Herniman, said "This is a great honour for PODS and very fitting as we have provided entertainment for the community for almost 100 years.

"It feels right that we’ll be able to this as part of the Summer Festival as well.

"We take enormous pride in being part of inclusive community entertainment that is open to all and hope everyone comes to enjoy all aspects of the Summer Festival day."

The Penarth Summer Festival takes place on the Esplanade on Saturday, July 16, from midday until 8pm with the Downhill Derby starting at 2pm.