BEWDLEY Festival has got off to a flying start with a “fantastic” opening night by blues and pop legend, Paul Jones.

The nine-day music and art extravaganza kicked off last Thursday with the sell-out performance.

Festival spokeswoman, Carole Swingler, said she was “delighted” with the success of the event, which was opened by Wyre Forest MP Dr Richard Taylor.

“It’s super,” she said. “We had a fantastic opening night with Paul Jones with Digby Fairweather’s Half Dozen and it’s gone from strength to strength.

“Monday was a really wonderful night with the songs from the Broadway shows. People were overwhelmed with it.

“We have had terrific audiences so far. We’re very pleased with it.”

She added that she was “delighted” with the positive response and the appreciation from the audiences.

“The response is the same as last year as we are successful all the time now.

“This year’s event has recaptured the standards of last year in terms of what we’re putting on and in audience appreciation.”

She added: “The evening with Sir Stirling Moss, which was a huge success, brought in quite a large new audience who had never been to any festival events.

“We sold more tickets for the Sunday afternoon classical concert with the CBSO Leo String Quartet than we have ever sold before.”

“I’m absolutely pleased and thrilled,” she added.

Tomorrow's festival events include a talk by Steve Gillespie and Roger Green. They will highlight the work of magistrates over the last 100 years.

Award winning singer-songwriter Beverley Craven will entertain music lovers.

On Friday, Worcestershire coroner, Gerraint Williams, will give a talk on coronial practice and Richard Digance will perform songs, rhymes and stories.

The weekend’s events include a farm trail and a church service. Mike Sanchez and his band will finish the festival in style for the finale.

For further information about other attractions during Bewdley Festival, log on to www.bewdleyfestival.org.uk.