TRIUMPH was snatched out of the jaws of disaster at this year's Bewdley Festival, according to organisers.

Carole Swingler said the response to the cancellation of a performance by singing legend Dame Cleo Laine at 24 hours' notice had made her and her colleagues more aware of the community spirit surrounding the festival.

People sending tickets back for refunds also enclosed messages of support over the setback. Anyone who has not yet returned tickets can take them to the town's tourist information office.

Mrs Swingler also hailed a host of community events away from the main schedule, including a bustling fringe line-up and visits by performance poet Ernest Henry, one of the voices of the Daleks from television's Dr Who, to town schools.

A parade to Jubilee Gardens of children wearing crowns they had made was also a big success, with more than 140 taking part.

"It was our best ever festival - it was very stimulating," said Mrs Swingler of the 15th annual event.

"Even if people didn't agree with the views of Germaine Greer and Tony Benn they were marvellously entertaining in expressing their views.

"I think Paul Daniels was the biggest surprise because people hadn't expected him to be so entertaining."

Switching most afternoon events to Bewdley Baptist Church enabled more people to attend, meaning this will be a permanent arrangement.

Anyone wanting to avoid disappointment for next year's event can book their tickets two weeks early next summer by joining Bewdley Festival Society. For details call Pat Adams on 01299 402975.