A HOST of festivities is set to entertain people from far and wide in an action-packed, ten-day, Tavistock event.

Tavistock Music and Arts Festival is returning to the town for the eighth time in April, and will be offering a multitude of events, including art exhibitions, literary and music workshops, poetry readings, performances by local and national musicians — and for the first time the festival will include full drama performances.

Festival chairman Christopher Kirwin said he was looking forward to this year's festival: 'The festival has got longer over the eight years. It started as just a weekend and now it takes place over two weekends and this year it will end with a bank holiday.

'We've got some very exciting additional events happening, such as the Tavonians taking part in the festival. This is the first year we have had drama in the festival — we've had readings and extracts from drama pieces previously but this is the first time we will have a full play.'

The Tavonians Theatre Company will give two performances of The Hound of the Baskervilles in the town hall on Sunday April 25.

Other events include an open art exhibition, a series of organ recitals, an adult storytelling workshop, a community dance showcase and various dance workshops, an evening of opera, and varied musical events presenting a broad range of musical styles.

Mr Kirwin said: 'We know it will bring in people from far and wide because we've already had bookings from people in London and across the country.

'The renowned jazz musician Mike Westbrook is coming down to the festival. Mike is known nationally and his performance at the festival has been advertised around the country so we hope he will bring people into the town.

'We have more than 30 events happening and many of the evenings have got several things going on at once.'

Mr Kirwin advised people to book places early: 'The Artists' Market sold out almost as soon as last year's finished.

'The Festival Supper usually sells out quickly — there are 12 tables and eight have already been earmarked.

'Last time I was on a high for the whole ten days and a good half of the events were packed. We have had a lot of support from people in the town and I'm confident this year will be a success as well.'

The festival begins on April 24 and a full list of events, information about the festival and where to obtain tickets are given in the Tavistock Music and Arts Festival brochure, which is available from the Wharf, or the Tourist Information Centre.