PREPARATIONS are now well in hand for the eighth Hatherleigh Festival, which takes place next month.
Organisers say the packed programme of events taking place from July 10-13 should make this year?s festival the best yet!
Highlights during the four days of events include live music, a puppet-making workshop for children, and exhibitions.
Headlining the music events at this year?s festival are Joey the Lips.
Claire Gladstone, co-ordinator of the festival, said: ?This fabulous ten-piece soul roots band have worked with a host of world class musicians.?
Joey the Lips will be be rocking Hatherleigh town hall on Friday, July 11.
Claire said they would be a hard act to follow, but the Blue Bishops would be providing strong competition with a programme of rock and blues in the Marquee on Saturday night, July 12.
Claire said: ?For those who prefer classical music, a rare treat will be available in the form of BBC lead flautist Daniel Pailthorpe and pianist David Robinson. This talented twosome will be performing on Thursday, July 10, and their repertoire will include pieces by Bizet, Gershwin and Mozart.?
For those who prefer to brush up on their own singing technique, there will be a Sunday morning workshop with Graham O?Callaghan, who is guaranteed to coach and cajole the best out of children and adults alike!
Claire said a punk version of Punch and Judy will be on offer on Saturday to keep the youngsters entertained. The mohicaned, motorbike riding Punk and Judy, by the nationally renowned Parachute Theatre which was a hit at the Glastonbury Festival, will deliver two hysterical tales of domestic bliss in puppet world.
Claire said: ?The first show sees Punk left at home to cope with the mischievous baby while the glamorous Judy has a night on the town. The Seaquel follows the mayhem they create on a seaside holiday.?
Children looking forward to seeing Punk and Judy?s antics can also join Steve Newton?s Saturday morning puppet making workshop in the marquee.
To get the under-fives in the mood for festival weekend, they can join the Pirate Party in looking for hidden treasure on Friday night. Older youngsters can ?boogie on down? at the Loony Toones disco in the Marquee on Friday night, said Claire.
The ever popular Saturday craft fair will also be held this year, and will feature dancing through the crowd with two formally dressed giant puppets from Tango Peligroso street theatre.
Exhibitions this year range from stunning pieces from Nick Parsons, the contemporary blacksmith to the DAISI exhibition ? Devon Arts in Schools ? which features a dog made completely of Wellington Boots!
Visitors can try some new craft skills by joining the ?Weaving with Natural Materials? workshop on Thursday or creating unique painted glassware on Friday with Steve Newton.
Claire said every year the festival organisers were amazed by the talent in their midst and this year was no exception. The event will showcase the artistic achievements of the community in the Old Schools throughout the festival.
They are also proud to present the Hatherleigh Players in Shakespeare?s ?Taming of the Shrew? on Sunday, July 13.
As a finale to this year?s festival, choirs from Okehampton and Crediton will be performing on Sunday afternoon.
To find out about the full listing of events call 01837 811116 ? programmes are also available in local outlets.
Events are competitively priced and many are free so book early to avoid disappointment.
Tickets can be booked on 01837 811081 or online at http://www.hatherleigh-festival.co.uk">www.hatherleigh-festival.co.uk