TICKETS for this year's Bewdley Festival go on sale on Saturday with arts fans encouraged to snap up places.

The festival - a mixture of talks, music and drama - kicks off on October 10 for eight days with a roster of stars including Barry Norman, Esther Rantzen and author Joanne Harris.

Carole Swingler, spokeswoman for the festival, said: "The tickets - particularly for the big names - go very quickly so we are advising people to book early to avoid disappointment."

Tickets can be booked over the phone by calling 01299 403355 or in person from Bewdley Books and the tourist information centre.

Postal applications should be sent to The Old Vicarage, Habberley Road, Bewdley, DY12 1JA and details can be found by logging onto www.bewdleyfestival.org.uk.