It has been described as a cross between a Roman amphitheatre and a fairy dell.

The secret Theatre in the Woods is wowing audiences and artists alike during this year's Holt Festival.

The Crazy World of Arthur Brown is first to perform at the 900 capacity open-air arena at the back of the Auden Theatre this year with his show on Friday night.

He celebrated 45 years of the massive worldwide hit Fire in 2013, with a brand new live show toured in the UK and Europe including the legendary fire helmet and rock n roll theatricals.

Sixties pop group The Searchers, famous for hits including Sweets For My Sweet; Needles and Pins; Love Potion No 9, will bring the festival to a close with their performance at the unique venue on Sunday night.

Tickets for both shows are still available, although Saturday night's headline act, John Illsley of Dire Straits, has long since sold out.

Other artists performing at the Theatre in the Woods this weekend include TV comedian Mark Watson.

Describing the venue, Holt Festival volunteer David Hurlbut, front of house at Theatre in the Woods, said: 'It's a cross between a Roman amphitheatre and a fairy dell, especially at night when all the lights are on.

'Most of (the performers) say they have never seen anything like it, they are amazed how good the accoustics are and what a reaction they get from the audience.

'I showed Jacqui Dankworth round after she had performed in the Auden Theatre (on Monday night) and she was amazed and had never seen a venue like it.'

Holt Festival relies on an army of volunteers to host the annual festival, which is now in its eighth year.

And, with the sun shining, the stage is set for the final weekend of this year's event.

When asked how he got involved in the Festival, Mr Hurlbut added: 'My wife and I were fans of Elkie Brooks who was the star performer at the first festival and they were looking for volunteers, so we thought: 'Hey, why not? We might get to hear the show.' And we did.'

And he added: 'We've thoroughly enjoyed it over the last seven years and been involved every year.'

For more details and to book tickets call 01603 598699 or log on to the following website: www.holtfestival.org