THIS year’s 25th Bewdley Festival is on course to be one of the best ever, according to delighted organisers.

Sixties band The Zombies, the Brodsky Quartet and broadcaster Neil Oliver are among acts who have already performed in the annual nine-day event, with plenty more shows scheduled before Sunday.

Organisers say the star-filled mix of music, talks and comedy has thrilled audiences.

The festival teamed up with the Harvest Fair on Saturday to provide a special opening to the festival.

The Wytchwood Morris Dancers provided entertainment outside Bewdley Museum, and there was also a craft market and a parade of Suffolk punch horses.

“Everything so far has surpassed expectations,” said a spokesman. “The audiences have arrived expecting a wonderful time and not been disappointed.”

Tonight, there are still tickets available for the Mediaeval Baebes, who will bring their special brand of music and songs to the Mercure Hotel. The female singers take Mediaeval texts and set them to original scores.

Sold-out events include comedian and impressionist Alistair McGowan tomorrow and a party night featuring Mike Sanchez and his Rhythm and Blues band on Saturday to celebrate 25 years of the Bewdley Festival.

The remaining daytime programme includes comedian and musician Rainer Hersch who will be explaining classical music in his own inimitable way at Bewdley Baptist Church tomorrow at 2.30pm.

At the same venue and time on Saturday, there will be a talk by TV vet Steve Leonard. Tickets are still available for these events.

Octoberfest fringe events continue throughout the month.

The two festival art exhibitions are now open and are already proving to be a big hit.

Dennis Minchin’s large vibrant paintings are being shown in Bewdley Museum’s gallery until November 18 and Paul Hipkiss’ striking relief prints of the Midlands canal systems will be displayed in the Bewdley Library gallery until November 3.