Ticket stampede for arts festival first day

Stars such as musician Jools Holland and comedians Paul Merton and Reginald D Hunter are headlining the event, which will take place between June 21 and June 30 in the grounds of Ludlow Castle.

And new directors Chris Davis and Chris Moreno said staff were being kept busy by arts fans who were snapping up tickets.

Mr Moreno said the 53rd annual event was fast becoming one of the 'hottest tickets this summer'.

He said: "We had hoped that we had found a stellar line-up of shows for the stunning setting at Ludlow Castle, and the initial ticket sales have proved that audiences are matching our enthusiasm for this year's festival.

"We had an amazing first day at the box office and the team has been busy ever since, with great sales across all of the events but in particular for the four outdoor concerts.

"It's £100 to see all four outdoor concerts which we think is great value.

"We're looking forward to a truly wonderful festival."

Also performing outside in the outer bailey of Ludlow Castle are 10CC, The Hollies and The Searchers.

There will also be a recreation of The Last Night of the Proms presented by Gyles Brandreth and featuring The English Philharmonic Orchestra.

Merton and Hunter will perform inside a brand-new Big Top Theatre, where The Reduced Shakespeare Company will perform West End show The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged).

The Circus of Horrors will also taken centre stage while for younger audiences, there will be four performances of Julia Donaldson's The Gruffalo's Child.

For further details of all the performances as well as ticket prices and information on how to book, visit the festival's website at www.ludlowartsfestival.co.uk