Thousands attend Ludlow Festival
More than 1,500 people flocked to major events over the weekend to mark the start of this year's Ludlow Festival.
More than 1,500 people flocked to major events over the weekend to mark the start of this year's Ludlow Festival.
The opening night of Twelfth Night at Ludlow Castle on Saturday was an 800-capacity sell-out, while there were also good attendances at the Gala Organ Recital on Saturday and a performance of the English String Orchestra on Sunday, both at the town's St Laurence's Church.
Visitors to the opening night of Twelfth Night, which features Only Fools and Horses star John Challis as Malvolio, were also treated to a performance by Oakland Girls' Choir, from Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, which festival organisers said was a "real treat".
Liz Hyder, press officer for the festival, said festival chiefs were eagerly awaiting big events coming up throughout the week, which will include appearances by author Germaine Greer and the BBC Big Band. And tickets for some events, including a concert by Barbara Dickson at Ludlow Assembly Rooms on July 9, have already sold out.
Ms Hyder said: "There is a real buzz around the town at the moment which is great. People are tweeting about the festival on Twitter and the whole thing has gone fantastically well so far. The performance of Twelfth Night on Saturday sold out and had a fantastic reception."
The festival will run for two weeks and will finish with a grand finale concert and fireworks display at Ludlow Castle on July 10 led by Shakin' Stevens.
Events which are lined up for this week include Greer giving a talk on Shakespeare's Wife at Ludlow Assembly Rooms on Friday.
The press night for Twelfth Night at Ludlow Castle is tonight. For a full review of the play see tomorrows Shropshire Star.
