BEWDLEY Festival has got off to a flying start with audiences flocking to see a variety of events to suit all tastes.

Organiser, Carole Swingler, said: “It’s all going very well indeed. We are delighted with everything that has taken place so far. It’s hard to pick out any highlights because everything has been so good.”

The Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain kicked off proceedings last Friday evening with a sell-out show at the Ramada Hotel.

They treated the audience to unique versions of songs ranging from Marvin Gaye’s I Heard it Through the Grapevine to Teenage Kicks by The Undertones.

Jazz singer Clare Teal took to the Ramada’s stage last Saturday and displayed her talents as an all-round entertainer.

Her between-song banter brought laughter from the audience and performances of songs such as Moondance, by Van Morrison, and My Way were greeted with loud applause.

Mrs Swingler added: “I think the festival’s success is summed up by the Ukelele Orchestra and Clare Teal commenting on what a wonderful atmosphere there was and how much they enjoyed themselves.

“The audiences have been brilliant and they have all been coming out of events buzzing, which is really nice.”

Last Sunday night actress and festival patron, Hannah Gordon read poetry and prose from a collection called For All Occasions.

TV presenter and wildlife expert, Chris Packham told tales of peculiar animals on Tuesday night, including an explanation of why an albatross’s nose runs.

The town’s Fringe Festival also hosted a range of daytime events, including a street performance by hip hop dance, company Urban Moves.

The group, comprising students from Bewdley School and Sixth Form Centre, danced outside the Guildhall on Saturday morning and attracted a large crowd.

Grace Nicol, 17, who leads the company, said: “Everyone was really excited about the Fringe and gave such a fantastic performance that we’ve been invited back next year.”

Other than the main events at the Ramada, Bewdley Baptist Church has hosted lectures on religious art and historic gardening tools, as well as a performance by an orchestra from Bewdley’s twin town, Vellmar.

The festival runs until Sunday, with tickets still available for some shows.