TAVISTOCK Heritage Festival is returning for 2015, bringing a range of fantastic events and attractions to the town.

Supported by the Rotary Club of Tavistock, the festival, which runs from Friday, October 30 to Monday, November 2, will once again be celebrating the arts, music, culture, history, and community spirit of Tavistock by bringing together a host of talented performers, historians, artisans and re-enactors to create unforgettable experiences and learning — whatever your age and whatever your interests.

Geri Parlby, chair of the festival, said: 'Last year's festival was our first and it was a great success, with hundreds of visitors enjoying events throughout the town and beyond.

'This year we will be concentrating our events within the centre of the town and making the festival bigger, better and more iconic than ever!'

The 2015 Heritage Festival will open at the Bedford Hotel on the evening of Friday, October 30 with renowned art historian Professor Sam Smiles talking about the artist J M W Turner's time in Tavistock and the Tamar Valley.

On Saturday afternoon Dr Tom Greeves will be looking at the local myths and legends around the 'Three Hares' at St Eustachius Church, whilst on Saturday evening the church will once again be reverberating with a celebration of Dartmoor song, tunes, tales and dances and dialect courtesy of Dartmoor Pixie Band, Jim Causley, Bill Murray and the Tree Fellers and Geoff Lakeman.

Throughout the weekend there will be living history events throughout the town with a sword school; shield painting workshop; medieval musical instrument making; tales of Francis Drake's adventures on the high seas; walking tours; historical fiction workshop; the Raggedy Victorians, Morris dancing and more talks and storytelling.

On the Sunday, the pannier market will be hosting the excellent Heritage Artisan Market with traders from across the two counties.

In the evening The Wharf will be joining forces with Tavistock Museum to show a film show of old Tavistock. On the Monday the Friends of the Wharf will also be hosting a talk on the History of Tavistock with Andrew Thompson.

Tony Parker, incoming president of the Rotary Club of Tavistock, said: 'Supporting the Heritage Festival will be a key local project for Tavistock Rotary Club.

'Together with the festival committee we are working to ensure the high quality and long-term viability of the event which is doing so much to celebrate the rich heritage of our great town.'