INTERNATIONALLY known actor Edward Woodward has called for widespread support for the Tavistock Dartmoor Festival.
East Cornwall-based Mr Woodward is patron of the eight-day festival which starts on September 24 — and believes public support can only result in aesthetic and financial dividends for the community.
'The festival will almost inevitably work to the advantage of the town, the area and the people who live here,' said Mr Woodward.
Opera, folk, rock and jazz, plus drama, comedy, dance and film will be presented in four venues in and around Tavistock.
Names so far confirmed include opera star Benjamin Luxon, folk-rock group Equation, Angela Rippon, Boulevard Django and the Dartmoor Players.
Young people from schools and other organisations will also play a major part in the festival which this year takes as its theme 'New Beginnings'.
The aim of the festival, now in its second year, is to encourage new talent, introduce new ideas and attract new audiences with its varied programme.
The festival will be presented in parallel with Tavistock and West Dartmoor Writers who have organised a week from September 25-29 of daytime workshops. These will run under the heading of 'Writing on the Wild Side'.
Mr Woodward said a successful annual festival will further enhance Tavistock's reputation.
Both he and his actress wife Michele Dotrice opened the first festival last year with a hugely successful evening of poetry and prose.
Having organised similar events himself he is aware of the hard work involved.
'It's hell on earth. I know, I've done it myself. A few people work their socks off for no remuneration but it is always a battle worth fighting. The reward for the organisers comes out of tremendous satisfaction when it is up and rolling,' said Mr Woodward.
'This whole festival is important to Tavistock because it will encourage more people to visit the town and that brings financial benefits.
'It is our own festival and I would encourage people, organisations and institutions to support it and enjoy it.'