China's first international clown festival is expected to attract 50 artists from 10 countries to Liuzhou, in southwest China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, said a local government official on Wednesday.

The performances by clowns from the United States, Britain, France, and other countries will bring laughter to the citizens of Liuzhou and an estimated 200,000 visitors, said Huang Shuping, vice secretary general of the Liuzhou city government.

The festival is scheduled to take place May 1 to 5.

"The audience will not only be able to watch the performances of the artists, but also enjoy themselves by acting as clowns during the festival," said Huang, adding that some Chinese traditional minority performance will also be presented.

According to Huang, the festival is being organized by the Cultural Market and Industries of China and American Event Management Institute, which has successfully sponsored similar festivals in other countries.

It has been estimated the festival will generate ten million yuan (about US$1.25 million) in revenues, said Zhang Guohong, one of the Chinese organizers.

(Xinhua News Agency March 22, 2007)