Don't be late for Wellington Literary Festival

People are being urged to make sure they turn up on time to Wellington Literary Festival to avoid disappointment if they cannot get in.

The one event at the festival for which people need to book tickets is already sold out with long waiting lists.

Alexei Sayle will be at Wrekin College on October 23 and the 350 tickets have already been taken up with 90 people waiting to see if there are any returns.

Last night's performance by Lesley Smith as Nell Gwynne at the same venue was also "sold out".

At other events on the festival programme people can just turn up.

But Wellington Town Council, which is organising the month-long festival is urging all those who plan to attend events to get to venues early as indications are that this year's extravaganza is going to be one of the authority's biggest ever.

Councillor Pat Fairclough, festival committee chairman, said: "This year's programme has been very well received indeed and we have received great feedback from the community so far.

"Please attend the venues promptly to avoid disappointment and return or contact the town council office with details of tickets you may not be using."

Tonight is An Evening with Children's Author Ann Turnbull, who will be at the Hayward Arts Centre at New College at 7pm.

Tomorrow Pakistani-born Moniza Alvi will be reading from Europa and her collected poems at the civic centre in Wellington at 7pm.

Programmes and tickets from the town council office at the civic centre in the Wellington Swimming Pool Complex or call (01952) 567697.

Details on the website at www.wellington-shropshire.gov.uk