The organisers of this year's Holt Festival have announced unprecedented ticket sales in the first three weeks of the box office opening.

The number of tickets available for events has risen 62pc this year compared to 2011 and nearly 50pc of all tickets have already been sold, according to organisers.

And the figures show a 95pc increase on the financial value of tickets sold compared to this time last year.

Festival director Delaval Astley said: 'We took a calculated risk by programming a lot more ticketed events this year and I'm very pleased to see that the gamble has paid off.

'I like to think that the variety in the programme is very strong, attracting a broader range of people than ever before.'

While some shows have already sold out – notably opera sensation La Boheme and punk poet John Cooper Clarke – there are still tickets available for most events. But organisers are urging people to book as soon as they can to avoid disappointment.

Bookings are still being taken for other shows including television, film and stage writer Alan Bennett, the exclusive performance of Julian Marshall's The Angel In The Forest, comedian Mark Steel, the award winning Rosie Kay Dance and the indie and psychedelic glam-rock folkers Beth Jeans Houghton and the Hooves of Destiny.

In addition to the main programme there are still lots of free events including shows for children, family entertainment in the town centre and this year's new venue, the Festival Field.

The latest free event to be announced is the Incredible Book Eating Boy workshop, with reading and storytelling for four to seven year olds at 9am on July 24 at the Festival Club at The Lawns Hotel.

There are also just a few days left to enter the inaugural �1,500 Holt Festival Art Prize. The closing date for submissions is Sunday at midnight.

The Holt Festival runs from July 22 to 28.

? For more details of how to enter the art prize and all Holt Festival events please visit www.holtfestival.org or call the box office on 01263 711284.