BEWDLEY’S annual art, literature, comedy and music festival kicks off in venues across the town tomorrow.

 Bewdley Festival’s first three evening events, Andy Fairweather Low and the Lowriders, ventriloquist Nina Conti and Lord Roy Hattersley and Douglas Hurd, are all sold out but tickets are still available for next week’s events.

Clare Teal will be singing at her swing and jazz show The Divas and Me on Monday and TV presenter Miranda Krestovnikoff whistle stop tour of the Coast on Tuesday.

This year's theatrical presentation, Rebecca Vaughan in Female Gothic, will be on Wednesday and an audience with Dr Jonathan Miller will take place next Thursday.

Daytime events include a talk on Big Cats in Middle England by Rick Minter on Saturday and a Jazz Mass at St Anne’s Church on Sunday followed by Argentinean music from El Ultimo Tango Quintet.

Tuesday is Meet the Tudors day with Nick Trustram Eve giving a morning talk on Tudor banquets followed in the afternoon by a royal visit from Elisabeth I portrayed by Lesley Smith, curator of Tutbury Castle.

Wednesday afternoon will see the return of Edwina Hayes who last year supported Barbara Dickson's appearance at festival.

Bewdley Festival spokesman Dave Collins said: "Ticket sales have been strong. It is very rewarding, in these austere times, to know that festival-goers are as loyal and keen as ever, and that all the work put in by festival's many volunteers, over the months leading up to what will be a hectic but enjoyable nine days, is appreciated.”

For more information visit bewdleyfestival.org.uk