BUDLEIGH Salterton is gearing up for its annual extravaganza of culture as the popular Festival of Music and the Arts makes a welcome return to the town from July 25 - August 2.

BUDLEIGH Salterton is gearing up for its annual extravaganza of culture as the popular Festival of Music and the Arts makes a welcome return to the town from July 25 - August 2.

Tickets are already selling like hotcakes as the reputation of the festival, now in its fourth year, has spread far beyond East Devon.

Once again the organisers have come up with a packed and exciting programme which promises something for everyone.

A number of events for families and children have been planned for this year.

The Exmouth Shantymen will be in full voice, singing outside the Longboat café on July 26, while a children's drawing competition and prize-giving takes place.

Drama workshops for youngsters of all ages, where children can dress up in their favourite costumes, are being held by a professional actress on the Fairlynch Museum lawn on July 30.

A free dance and drama workshop organised by Imperial College Operatic Society will run on August 2 at the Public Hall.

Festival chairman Roger Bowen said: "There has been good demand for all concerts with the season ticket being the first to sell out.

"There are very few seats available for the Emma Johnson and Andrew West performance on July 25 and many of the other events at the Temple Church are booking well, so the advice is book now to avoid disappointment later.

"Amongst the eagerly awaited evenings are the piano recital given by Mark Bebbington and the NDO's opera, Rigoletto. Mark will also give three late evening concerts, each starting at 9.50pm and lasting for about 50 minutes. A ticket covering all three that offers a good reduction is still available.

"Later in the week there is series of concerts not to be missed. The first, entitled Sound the Trumpet, on July 30, features counter tenors James Bowman and Nicholas Clapton with John Turner, Laura Robinson, Ian Thompson and Jonathan Price.

"Then, on July 31, we welcome the famous Henschel Quartet from Vienna.

"There is an orchestral concert under conductor Nicholas Marshall on Friday that includes the Nelson Mass and Marie Langrishe as soloist in two of Vivialdi's 'Seasons' and, finally, Facade and The Soldier's Tale completes the festival on Saturday evening.

"On Sunday, July 27, Gerald Dickens performs scenes from his celebrated ancestor's works in the restored Salem Chapel.

"There is a full programme of free lunchtime concerts as well as art exhibitions, workshops and children's events.

"The ROSLA international prize winners from New Zealand this year are the Trio Scintillatum who will play in support of the Fairlynch Museum.

"Two male voice choirs sing in the Temple Church and there are two jazz events - Ellingtonia - a Duke Ellington tribute - at the Games Club on Thursday and Craig Milverton - an Oscar Peterson tribute - at the Dog and Donkey on the first Saturday.

"There are two historic town walks and a talk given by David Daniel about seaside town development and you can visit the delightful Lee Ford gardens.

"ICOS, visitors to Budleigh in every year for 38 seasons, brings another foot-tapping musical production, On the Town, starting on Wednesday, July 30 and there are two evening gigs at Otterton Mill."

A full programme of events can be found at various outlets throughout the town, including the TIC, or by visiting www.budleigh-festival. org. uk. Tickets can be booked on (01395) 445275.