Ludlow Arts Festival's bosses plan bumper year

It comes as they unveiled the line up for this year's festival which will take place against the stunning backdrop of Ludlow Castle in June.

The former Ludlow Arts Festival was disbanded after a 50-plus-year run because it ran into financial difficulties.

The event had become larger than ever imagined and a sequence of poor weather led to substantial losses.

However, new festival directors Chris Davis and Chris Moreno said this year's acts would be using a new stage.

The line-up includes comedians Paul Merton and Reginald D Hunter and stars of music including Jools Holland, 10CC, The Hollies and The Searchers.

Classical music fans can also look forward to a recreation of The Last Night of the Proms spectacular, presented by Gyles Brandreth and featuring the English National Philharmonic

Orchestra and a fireworks spectacular during the festival which runs from June 21-30.

In a joint statement, Mr Davis and Mr Moreno said: "Ludlow is a place steeped in culture. It's fitting, then, that for 53 years the Ludlow Arts Festival has gathered Britain's finest, most life-affirming arts and music together against the stunning backdrop of Ludlow Castle.

"June 21-30, 2013, will see the festival's triumphant return but we won't be resting on the glories of the distant past.

"With a line-up mixing amazing pop and comedy in among the serious stuff, this year's festival will appeal to all ages."

Chris Davis said: "We're so happy to be bringing the festival back to Ludlow, and hopefully bigger and better than ever before, with a more diverse bill and many exciting and unmissable acts.

"This is a bold new chapter in the story of the Ludlow Arts Festival." The new festival directors are supported by a number of organisations in the town.

A Friends of Ludlow Arts Festival plans to generate funds supporting fringe events and inspiring youngsters to get involved.

Organisers of a fringe festival also plan to put on low-cost events for people from all parts of the town to enjoy.

The new festival has come about as people across Ludlow have rallied to support it and the new Friends group has already raised cash and attracted many members.

The new organisation was launched by chairwoman Diane Lyle, who has been bowled over by the response.

Mrs Lyle said the Friends managed to raise about £4,000 during its first week in existence. The Friends group has already met in Ludlow and come up with a number of ideas that will support community arts in the town.

People can join the friends group at www.friendsofludlowartsfestival.org.uk or by post, by writing to Friends of Ludlow Arts Festival, Ty Back, 62 Sidney Road, Ludlow, SY8 1SH.

The Ludlow Arts Festival has a proud history and was formed more than 50 years ago because people in the town wanted to stage an event that would raise funds for good causes.

The event ran successfully for a number of years but as it grew in size its running costs also grew and it ran aground when it failed to attract enough visitors due to poor weather.

or by post.

The postal address and details of all performances are on the festival website at www.ludlowartsfestival.co.uk