The organisers of the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival have announced that 22,652 entries from 86 countries will be competing for the coveted Lions awards at this month’s event in France – a 19.9 per cent drop on 2008’s record-breaking year.

Philip Thomas, festival CEO, said: “Although there are naturally fewer entries across the categories, the Lions remain the ultimate global awards to win and we look forward to the 11 juries arriving in Cannes to honour the finest creative work the world’s communications industry has to offer.”

Categories registering a decrease in entry levels on last year include Direct Lions (down 19.6%); Cyber Lions (-20%); Outdoor Lions (-23%); and Film Lions (-25.4%). The biggest fall was in Press Lions, down 32.2 per cent. But Design Lions and Promo Lions showed an increase – up 1.2 per cent and 1.4 per cent respectively.

To register to attend the festival, go to: www.canneslions.com

The 56th International Advertising Festival will be held June 21-27 in Cannes, France.