A week of music, drama, comedy and art has begun at Holt with the opening of its third summer festival.

A busy programme including nine sell-out events began yesterday with a church service led by the Bishop of Norwich the Rt Rev Graham James before a tea time performance of the modern Gothic fairytale The Animals and Children Took to the Streets.

Today street theatre will see tennis taking to the shopping mews around town before an evening concert by the renowned Orchestra of the Swan.

Festival manager Karen Hall said the concert, as well as appearances by Michael Palin, Fascinating Aida and Arthur South, had sold out.

Ticket sales were well up on last year, with people coming from farther afield and the varied programme ranging from classics to popular performers and including events for children and families was attracting a wider range of people.

Other events during the week include art displays, stand-up comedy , dance, and a finale by pop legends 10cc which has sold all but 40 of the 900 seats in an outdoor arena.

Details at www.holtfestival.org