Plenty on offer at the Ludlow Festival 2011

Set in the heart of one of the most beautiful towns in Britain, Ludlow Festival has been thrilling summer audiences for over 50 years.

This year's exciting line-up sees John Challis starring as Malvolio in a brand-new open-air production of Twelfth Night in Ludlow's medieval castle, directed by newcomer Charlie Walker-Wise. Alongside the regular open-air Shakespeare, there's a host of other fantastic events, from music to mask-making and from literature to tours.

John Challis, a household name for playing Boycie in Only Fools and Horses and The Green Green Grass, is delighted to be making his debut at the Ludlow Festival this summer.

John said: "I've always been fascinated by history and ever since I saw the fantastic castle in Ludlow, I've wanted to do something in that venue. Malvolio is a part I love and to be making my Ludlow Festival debut in such a great role means my wish has finally come to fruition."

This year's line-up also includes the welcome return of the Worcestershire-based English String Orchestra (ESO). One of the best-loved orchestras in the country, the ESO's concerts at this year's festival include The Grand Tour in the beautiful setting of St Laurence's Church (Sunday, June 26) and The History of the Violin with world-class violinist Michael Bochmann (Thursday, June 30).

Further musical highlights include The Age of Swing. . . and Beyond, featuring the BBC Big Band. Conducted by Barry Forgie and starring vocalist Jeff Hooper, currently on tour with Strictly Come Dancing, The Age of Swing . . . and Beyond includes music from the likes of Glenn Miller, Count Basie and Duke Ellington (Saturday, July 2). This year, the ever-popular grand finale of the Ludlow Festival, the Last Night Concert in Ludlow Castle (Sunday, July 10), is led by rock 'n' roll legend Shakin' Stevens with support from local band, the Sultana Brothers, and rounded off, as always, by a spectacular firework display.

Elsewhere, the festival returns to a dramatic theme at the Ludlow Assembly Rooms with Germaine Greer's Shakespeare's Wife (Friday, July 1) in which the controversial author attempts to put Shakespeare's marriage in its social context and there's a mask-making and decorating workshop for children and families to tie in with Twelfth Night, a story of disguises. Author, broadcaster, actor and former MP Gyles Brandreth also joins the Festival to talk about his life, from the corridors of power to the green rooms of the West End (Friday, July 8).

Roy Coles, chair of Ludlow Festival, said: "We always aim to entertain and surprise at the Ludlow Festival and this year, we're delighted to have such a wide range of events on offer. Everything from beautiful music to mask-making for families and a fantastic production of Twelfth Night in one of the most spectacular settings in England."

The Ludlow Festival runs from Friday, June 25 through to Sunday, July 10, at various venues in and around Ludlow. The full line-up for the festival is available online at www.ludlowfestival.co.uk

• Festival tickets are on sale on 01584 872 150 or visit www.ludlowfestival.co.uk