The event, which has been running since 1960, has established itself as one of the UK's leading rural arts festivals, selling over 30,000 tickets in 2002.

The festival, which began this weekend, also features two Shakespeare productions for the first time.

Michael Bogdanov is directing The Merchant of Venice and The Winter's Tale, both to be performed among the ruins of Ludlow's 11th Century castle.

Bogdanov's production of the Merry Wives of Windsor at last year's event was well-received by many critics.

The festival also features a literary weekend on 28 and 29 June and an appearance by jazz musician Courtney Pine, who will perform at St Laurence's Church on 5 July.