THERE has been a “huge” rush to buy tickets for this year’s Bewdley Festival, with many shows already sold out.

The programme for the October event has proved popular and there are now no tickets left for shows such as, Georgie Fame, Arthur Smith, Elkie Brooks, the motown party night, the Ukulele Orchestra and Richard Perrin.

Spokeswoman Carole Swingler said: "There is no magic formula for a successful programme.

"Each year we work extremely hard to create a balanced programme but until the tickets go on sale we don't know whether the public will agree with us."

She added that organisers were “delighted” with the demand to see performers not as well known as some of the other big names on the bill.

They include, John Kirkpatrick, Radio 2 Folk Awards Musician of the Year 2010, who will perform traditional English music, on October 14 and Guy Masterson, who will perform his one-man production of Under Milk Wood, on October 10.

There has also been demand to see five of the CBSO's celebrated brass section, known as The Brass Explosion, who will entertain festival goers on October 10.

Meanwhile, tickets are still available to see actors, Peter Gill and Andrew Meller, who will present their homage to American humorists, Tom Lehrer and Bob Newhart, On the following evening.

People can get tickets for the shows from the Bewdley Tourist Information Centre or by telephone from the main box office at Worcester Live, on 01905 611427.