WITH only a month to go until Bewdley Festival, organisers have seen record-breaking ticket sales.

The Manfreds, Gyles Brandreth, Fascinating Aida and Adam Henson have sold out and there are a few tickets left for Show of Hands and Alan Price.

The following evening events are still available, Mark Steel, with the touring version of his popular Radio 4 comedy show Mark Steel's in Town, Sir Richard Rodney Bennett and Claire Martin presenting the Irving Berlin Songbook and the witty dramatisation of the letters between Nancy Mitford and Evelyn Waugh, Dearest Nancy, Darling Evelyn.

Traditionally, most of the tickets for the daytime programme are sold nearer to the festival but the two local speakers have proved especially popular this year. Max Keen has sold out and only a few tickets remain for Richard Perrin.

Daytime events still on offer include Beth Williamson’s talk on Mirrors in Art, which promises to be as fascinating as the last time she appeared in Bewdley.

Simon Topman is expected to be an amusing and informative speaker on the subject of The Birmingham Whistle. Anthony Collis's talk on Inn signs and pub names will appeal to those interested in history and give the drinkers something to talk about at the bar.

Confessions of an Artist, will present another side of art when Geoff Tristram, painter and cartoonist, talks about his work which includes advertisements, postage stamps and commissions for the famous.

Two big names in the daytime programme are award-winning guitarist Martin Simpson and mesmerising, amusing performance poet Murray Lachlan-Young.

The more traditional Worcestershire poet and novelist, Francis Brett Young, is the subject of an illustrated talk by expert Dr Michael Hall. Music will be provided by The Amicus Quartet, comprising four of the leading players of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra’s Youth Orchestra, who will delight with their performance of some of the greatest works for string quartet.

For more information, visit bewdleyfestival.org.uk. Tickets can be bought from the Festival Box Office at Worcester Live on 01905 611427 or Bewdley Tourist Information Centre on 01299 404740. Call first to check availability.