AN eclectic programme of international stars, local celebrities and newcomers made this year’s 25th Bewdley Festival one to remember.

A party night with Mike Sanchez and his band gave the festival a lively finale as 400 people danced to rhythm and blues music at West Midland Safari Park on Saturday.

Fireworks brought the festival to a close and party-goers were treated to photographic highlights on a big screen.

This year’s programme aimed to appeal to a wide range of tastes, with the daytime events having almost as high a profile as the evening ones.

Two highlights included Alistair McGowan’s act, which was specially written for the Bewdley audience, and a world premiere of Andy Williamson’s Big Easy Jazz Mass.

A festival spokesman said: “More than ever we are grateful to all our volunteers, sponsors, audiences and members of the local community who have supported us so splendidly in this wonderful year.

“We never stand still and are proud to have introduced two innovations.

“We have presented a successful one-day youth festival, which we aim to develop in the future. In addition a new book week, in association with The Shuttle, is taking place from October 15 to 21.”

A piece of public art was unveiled by Mayor of Bewdley John Latham. It was donated to the town by Bewdley Festival to mark its silver jubilee.

Situated in the Jubilee Gardens and entitled Jubilation, the piece is by Gloucestershire artist Lucy Unwin.

This gift to the town was commissioned by the Trustees of Bewdley Festival, who advertised nationally for artists, who then submitted their proposals for a work on the theme of family, community and the arts.

For more information on the book week, which runs until Sunday, go online to the website at bewdleyfestival.org.uk