Thousands expected at Ludlow Festival

Thousands of people are expected in Ludlow this weekend for the start of its two-week festival.

Melvyn Bragg, Arthur Smith and Jenni Murray are just a few of the celebrities lined up for the event, which starts tomorrow.

Performers are carrying out their final dress rehearsals for the festival's flagship Shakespeare production, Othello, directed by Ben Crocker.

Christopher Obi is playing the much coveted role of Othello at Ludlow Castle. He is no stranger to Shakespeare, having appeared with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

The festival will finish with a grand finale Festival Party Time concert, featuring tribute bands Killer Queen and Desperado.

Patrick Myers will present the sound and the look, combined with the showmanship and musicianship that was the hallmark of Queen in concert.

Desperado will be featuring all the classic Eagles songs. Tickets cost £25.

Box office manager Sue Curthoys said: "It is wonderful everything is in place.

"Tickets for the Ukulele Orchestra have flown out the door and the Carol Ann Duffy event has sold well.

"We have sold out some nights for the play but there are still some tickets available for midweek. "

She added there were also some tickets left for the finale concert.