A GLITTERING array of stars from the world of music, TV, radio, comedy and books will help make the 25th year of Bewdley Festival extra special.

Organisers have revealed the big names who will be appearing at the annual nine-day music and art extravaganza.

Kicking off the festival on Friday, October 5 will be English rock band the Zombies.

There will be more music from folk singer and actress Barbara Dickson on the following evening, while actor Guy Masterson will perform his one-man drama Shylock.

Classical group the Brodsky Quartet will perform works from Verdi, Wolf, Purcell and Britten on Sunday, October 7 and comic actor Tim Brooke-Taylor, in conversation with broadcast journalist Chris Serle, will also entertain audiences.

The next evening, presenter Neil Oliver will talk about his experiences of filming the BBC’s new series, Vikings, while Matthew Williams, curator of Cardiff Castle, will give a lecture on the personalities and buildings of the Marquesses of Bute.

Talented soul singer/songwriter Ruby Turner will delight music lovers when she takes the stage on Tuesday, October 9. Meanwhile, the Max Keen lecture will look at Oliver Cromwell and poet Ian McMillan will also be on the bill.

Nature lovers will be entertained by Vanessa Berlowitz, series producer for the BBC’s Frozen Planet, when she shows images and footage of the documentary, on the following afternoon, while former MP Michael Portillo will share his experiences.

On Thursday, October 11, vocal ensemble, the Mediaeval Baebes, will perform. Sally Nilsson, the great-granddaughter of sailor Robert Hichens, who was steering the SS Titanic when it hit an iceberg a century ago, will tell his story.

Curious festival-goers can also find out how illegal computer hackers work, with Tony McDowell.

Impressionist Alistair McGowan will bring his first show in three years to the event, on Friday, October 12, while musician and stand-up comedian Rainer Hersch is set to make the audience giggle.

Vet and wildlife presenter Steve Leonard will be on the next day and train lovers can enjoy a day out on the Severn Valley Railway.

Mike Sanchez and his band will return to end the festival in style on Saturday, October 13 and a New Orleans Mass will be held the following day.

Tickets for the festival go on sale from Saturday, July 28. They can be obtained in person at the Bewdley Tourist Information Centre or by phone at Huntingdon Hall, Worcester on 01905 611427. For a full line-up of events and venues, log on to the website at bewdleyfestival.org.uk