FREE tickets are now available for CAFE 2003 as preparations for the June event become well advanced.

The tickets for the talent show on Friday, June 13, and three concerts at Redditch Town Hall on Saturday, June 14, are available from the Advertiser's reception in Church Green and Tourist Information Centre, Alcester Street.

Tickets for the afternoon concert at the Palace Theatre, on Sunday, June 15, are also available from the Tourist Information Centre while tickets to see magician Mel Harvey and author Roy Clews, on Saturday, June 14, are available from Redditch Library.

There will also be a non-stop programme of events under the palm trees in the Kingfisher Centre, and displays under the clock and in the gazebo.

Acts taking part include Alvechurch Dramatic Society, Arrow Vale Singers, Arcarto String Quartet, Redditch Folk Club and Redditch Area Music Centre who will perform throughout Saturday.

Alvechurch Dramatic Society returns to CAFE with one-act melodrama Family Pride, combining elements from classic fiction including Jane Eyre, Rebecca and Sherlock Holmes.

The society, which welcomes new members, has been entertaining people for 55 years and continues to stage two plays a year, with smaller performances such as at CAFE in between.

Arrow Vale Singers are a group with more than 40 voices and a repertoire ranging from opera choruses to songs from the shows.

Arcarto String Quartet is a young, Worcestershire-based ensemble whose vibrant and varied style of music spans baroque, jazz, classical and rag time. Redditch Folk Club meets once a week for songs, music and the occasional story.