THEATREGOERS are being invited to celebrate the re-opening of Evesham's Abbey Bridge by grabbing the chance to win a night out in the town.

With the traffic flowing since Monday, March 10 and the town declaring itself open for business, Evesham Arts Centre is offering five chances for people to enjoy a show and a drink on them.

A pair of tickets and two drinks vouchers are on offer for the very best in stage shows coming to the centre in April and Gail Andrews, the centre's administrator, wants to use the competition as a reminder of what the town can offer people.

Mrs Andrews said: "There's a fantastic vibe of getting Evesham back into business and we want to be part of that. It's time to remind people that they can have a really good night out in Evesham and you don't have to go to Worcester or Cheltenham.

"It seems like the right thing to do and we want to be part of the community. "

Mrs Andrews says the centre has "done quite well" during the closure due to a "fantastic" programme of events and and even visiting comedians like Alex Horne have poked fun at the situation to get a laugh during their shows.

On Thursday, April 3, the Evesham Operatic and Dramatic Society return with the Showstoppers which combines West End favourites and a tale of a theatre under threat from 7.30pm.

The society last performed at the Victoria Avenue venue on September 19 - the day the bridge closed.

Tribute band Complete Madness bring all the memorable hits including Baggy Trousers, One Step Beyond and It Must Be Love on Saturday, April 12 at 8pm.

Evesham and District Music Club present the celebrated Villiers String Quartet performing pieces from Haydn, Elgar and Beethoven from 7.30pm on Thursday, April 17 and Vienna Festival Ballet's new production of Cinderella visits on Monday, April 21 at 5pm.

A 60-piece big band play the Great American Songbook in aid of the chairman of Wychavon District Council's chosen charities on Saturday, April 26 at 7.30pm.

The closing date is Friday, March 28 at 5pm and the draw will be made on Saturday, March 29, with the winners being notified by 5pm.

Entries stating the preferred show along with your name and contact details should be sent to comps@eveshamartscentre.co.uk.