A landmark Shropshire arts festival which faced closure is back in the black for the first time in three years.

Ludlow Festival made a small profit in the 2009 season, organisers of the popular event have announced after their annual meeting.

After the catastrophic floods of summer 2007, the festival was left with a deficit of £42,000.

And last year, cost-cutting measures to reduce the debt were partially successful.

But the festival was still left £17,000 in the red when projected 75 per cent ticket sales for Richard III failed to materialise.

Jenny Vaughan, festival chairman, said: “Our 50th anniversary season proved a huge success, with many events selling out and our flagship Shakespeare production drawing huge crowds.

“This is tremendous news for the festival. We have suffered some substantial losses over the past three years, largely because of the torrential rain, but this summer the weather was kind to us, the events programme was excellent and the play, Romeo and Juliet, attracted almost capacity audiences.

Involved

“It was wonderful to see so many children and youngsters attending the play this year, and this is something we aim to build on during the coming years, they are our audiences of the future and we plan to get them very much involved during 2010.

“This year’s profit has given us great confidence. We have a tremendous team of organisers and helpers who work tirelessly to make the festival happen and I would personally like to thank everyone who contributed to the success of the 2009 season.”

The festival council is currently finalising the events schedule for next year and will announce both the title of the play and the director shortly.

Ludlow Festival has taken place annually since 1969, the play staged in Ludlow Castle’s historic inner bailey regularly attracting some of the top names in theatre, television and film.

A programme of events takes place over two weeks, ending with a rock concert and firework display.

By Hannah Costigan