ALISON CROOSE Widespread interest aroused by the appearance of two musical icons at next month's King's Lynn Festival includes a booking from Western Australia for the classical cabaret by world-famous soprano Lesley Garrett.

ALISON CROOSE

Widespread interest aroused by the appearance of two musical icons at next month's King's Lynn Festival includes a booking from Western Australia for the classical cabaret by world-famous soprano Lesley Garrett.

And the recital by legendary pianist Alfred Brendel is attracting classical musical lovers from far and wide to the internationally-renowned festival, which runs from July 16-29.

Organisers are delighted with the enthusiastic response to this summer's programme, reflected in the high number of postal bookings which opened yesterday.

The return of Lesley Garrett, on July 18, with a new programme of songs from films, musicals and opera has prompted a rush for tickets - including sales to fans in Australia and Scotland.

Alfred Brendel, who is 75 this year and rarely appears outside London, will appear at Lynn Festival for the first time on July 27, giving his first recital in Norfolk for more than 30 years.

"It is a great coup for Lynn Festival to attract such a distinguished musician and its significance is reflected in the bookings we have received from all over the country, especially London," said artistic director Ambrose Miller.

Tickets are also selling fast for the final concert by the Philharmonia Orchestra, which features Grieg's piano concerto and visits by the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and the Brodsky Quartet.

Personalities appearing at the festival include humorist Miles Kington and parliamentary sketch writer Matthew Parris, who will be the speakers at the literary dinner on July 21.

Television and radio comedian Tony Hawkes will discuss his career in a conversation with BBC Radio Norfolk's Tony Mallion on July 23, and historian Richard Holmes's talk In the Footsteps of Churchill, on July 17, will be based on his recent BBC2 documentary series.

King's Lynn Festival Chorus will team up with the Orchestra of the Swan from Stratford for the opening concert including Mozart's Clarinet Concerto and Requiem.

The wide range of entertainment will include a special edition of BBC Radio Norfolk's Should the Team Think? on July 24 to a concert by acclaimed folk trio, Coope, Boyes and Simpson on July 28.

The festival box office will open for telephone and cross-the-counter ticket sales at the Corn Exchange on Monday June 19 (01553-764864). Call 01553-767557 for a festival brochure or visit www.kingslynnfestival.org.uk.