BEWDLEY Festival’s packed programme of arts entertainment has been unveiled for its 24th year.

The annual events get underway between October 7 and 16 and tickets go on sale on Saturday, July 23.

Headliners include Adam Henson - a regular presenter on BBC1’s much-loved Countryfile, who also joined Kate Humble as the face of BBC2’s Lambing Live.

The farmer and author will share his highly-sought after expertise and in-depth knowledge of British farming.

Another highlight will be the exciting new line-up of The Manfreds, featuring both lead singers from the 1960’s band, Manfred Mann.

Approaching their 50th anniversary, the group still performs with all the enthusiasm and energy that exists on their original records. They will perform faithful reproductions of the band’s greatest hits, such as Do Wah Diddy Diddy.

Opening the festival will be triple Albert Hall sell-out folk band - Show of Hands. Singer-songwriter Steve Knightley and multi-instrumentalist Phil Beer won both the Best Duo title and Best Original Song at the 2010 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.

With double bass player and vocalist Miranda Sykes, the acoustic roots act will be delving into their rich back catalogue of original material.

The seductively-spoken Fenella Fielding will join Nigel Anthony and Nickolas Grace in Dearest Nancy, Darling Evelyn.

Nancy Mitford and Evelyn Waugh, known to John Betjeman, Cecil Beaton and the Windsors, were two of the most remarkable literary figures of the 20th century.

They exchanged many witty, hilarious, outrageous and deeply politically-incorrect letters on which this drama, devised and directed by Jane Mcculloch, is based.

Also entertaining will be renowned British composer Sir Richard Rodney Bennett, famous for film scores, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Murder on the Orient Express and The Tale of Sweeney Todd.

Joining him on stage will be six-time British Jazz Award winner, Claire Martin. The pair both share a great love of Irving Berlin’s work and their new show, with classy arrangements by Richard, will include such classics as Let’s face the Music and Dance and Cheek to Cheek.

Author, broadcaster, former MP and Government whip Gyles Brandreth, will take audiences through a hilarious roller-coaster ride through the corridors of power.

Comedy cabaret trio Fascinating Aïda will present Edinburgh Festival Fringe sensation, The Cheap Flights Tour. The sassy women will perform several naughty numbers and their infamous anthem to budget travel, Cheap Flights, which has achieved an amazing six million hits on YouTube.

A Sony award winner and Bafta nominated comedian will present his show, Mark Steel in Town. Mark writes material shedding light on the quirkiness and interesting aspects of every town and city he visits - and has plenty to say about Bewdley.

Twice-winner of Musician of The Year at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, Martin Simpson will play guitar. The festival finale will be played out by keyboarder with 1960s band The Animals, Alan Price. Throughout the event there will be exhibitions, church services, workshops and talks.

Tickets are available from Bewdley Tourist Infomation Centre 01299 404740 or Worcester Live 01905 611427. For a full programme of daytime and evening events visit bewdleyfestival.org.uk