A MAJOR festival combining a feast of music, drama and the written word is due to be staged in Tavistock this September.
The organisers of Tavistock and Dartmoor Festival (TDF) have agreed to join forces with Tavistock and West Dartmoor Writers in staging their events during the same week to produce a combined programme.
The inaugural TDF was held in June last year and although a success the organisers decided a September date would attract larger numbers.
September is also the established month for the writers' festival, now in its fourth season.
'We didn't want to compete with each other and there is a natural partnership between us so it was a sensible move to work together,' said Sue Spackman, TDF chairman.
'It helps from all sorts of angles — joint promotion and planning for instance.
'It means the whole event will have a much greater impact,' she said.
The organisers hope most people will be back from their holidays in September — a successful event could also help extend the tourist season for the town.
The festival will cover seven days from September 25 to October 1 and will be based mainly at The Wharf, with some events held at other town venues.
The theme of the TDF event is new beginnings and the programme will feature performers with local connections — many with national reputations.
The main aspect of the writers' festival is daytime writing workshops featuring well known authors which will be staged at the Bedford Hotel.
Publicity officer Lyn Brown said the workshops would be 'real hands-on stuff' where budding writers could get involved.
She said the main programme would be complemented by several evening events and for the first time a songwriting feature.
'It's getting bigger every year as we extend the scope and range,' said Lyn.