ORGANISERS of the popular Bewdley Festival have hailed this year's anniversary celebrations as a great success.

The 30th Bewdley Festival brought its traditional mix of stars from the stage, screen and concert halls, all packed into an eventful 10 days.

The event, which ran from Friday, October 6, to Sunday, October 15, is much-anticipated by lovers of music, comedy, drama and the arts in Wyre Forest, with many of the daytime and evening shows becoming sell out events.

The festival kicked off with the return of Roger McGough to Bewdley Festival after 30 years - with a performance with LiTTLe MACHiNe that enthralled, amused and entertained regular festival-goers.

The festival closed with a sold out show by Jan Ravens, featuring her impressions of many difficult women from all walks of life - followed by a church service on theme of 'light' with featuring local school children and Festival Voices.

Other performances across the 10-day festival included Lesley Smith, Sara Pascoe, Jenni Murray, Pete Waterman, T'pau, the Tom Robinson Band and Max Keen.

Dave Collins, festival director, said: "The arts took a bit of a 'Brexit bruising' last year, and Bewdley Festival was no exception - but the combination of a great programme, the advent of online ticket sales, the use of social media and support from new sponsors and partners has seen it bounce back in its 30th anniversary year, with great ticket sales and the identification of a new audience.

"As ever there was something for everyone to enjoy, from the celebration of cryptic crosswords to singing along to punk rock anthems."

Other aspects of the festival, which will continue throughout October, include Keith Turley’s art exhibition ‘A Fair Day’s Work’ at Bewdley Museum.

Organisers have said that Bewdley Festival is set to return next year - with provisional dates of October 12, to October 20, 2018.