THE Tavistock Edge Festival, an event that looks at the fringe side of the arts in informal settings such as the street, shopping areas and public spaces, is gearing up for its main event on July 9 with some pre events.

The events kick off with a quiz evening on April 25 at the Ordulph Arms for an 8pm start. Tables of four are available or feel free to join a table on the night. There will be a raffle and a winner’s prize. For ticket details about the quiz, see the Forthcoming Events section on page 15.

Rehearsals for a flash choir will be held during May and June. Last year up to 100 singers popped up to surprise shoppers during the festival. Organisers would like to double that number this year and so are encouraging willing people to contact Rob Shepherd at [email protected] or 01822 616389 for more information.

For people who enjoy singing, organisers of the festival will be running a series of four, weekly sessions at the Terrace Restaurant in Tavistock from May 9 to 30 starting at 7pm. It’s not a choir and you don’t have to be a good singer. It is just for enjoyment, singing along to familiar songs. Led by experienced singers these sessions are free to all. For more information contact [email protected] or call Hilary on 01822 614179.

In order to support these events, the Edge team will be bag packing and generally hoping to help and entertain shoppers at Tavistock’s Tesco store on April 29.

Chairman Richard Hamer said: ‘I hope as many people as possible would support these events, which are open to everyone in Tavistock and the surrounding area.’

The team expressed thanks to its many sponsors in the town.