IT'S here today — and on through the weekend. The eagerly awaited Hatherleigh Festival has transformed the normally reserved market town into a vibrant celebration of colourful arts events.

Festival co-ordinator Claire Gladstone said the line-up was the best yet.

'We have a real diversity of events. There are lots of new stalls coming to the street market on Saturday. There is street theatre, music, family entertainment.'

She said several events had sold out but there were still a few tickets for the cabaret which she promised would be 'absolutely brilliant'.

'Tomorrow we have fantastic jazz pianist Alex Maguire arriving direct from Paris. He will be playing a broad range of jazz on a £25,000 Steinway grand piano which is the bee's knees!' said Claire.

On Sunday in the church the Dellands Voices will sing music that spans the 16th to 20th century — everything from Handel to Cole Porter.

'I think that for a small town like Hatherleigh to put on this festival is a big achievement. The box office is looking good, so obviously what we have booked is what people want to see because they are buying tickets,' said Claire.

Festival box office is on 01837 810823.