ORGANISERS have declared themselves "delighted" with the roster of big names lined up for this year's Bewdley Festival.

A diverse range of stars including magician Paul Daniels, feminist icon Germaine Greer, cellist Julian Lloyd Webber, Geordie band Lindisfarne and retired politician Tony Benn are set to be big attractions at this year's 15th annual event beginning on Friday, October 11.

And for the first time ever one of the acts will be staging two performances in a bid to meet the expected high demand for tickets.

Singing star Dame Cleo Laine lines up alongside John Dankworth and friends for two shows at 4pm and 8pm at the Ramada Hotel on Saturday, October 12.

Grammy Award-winning Dame Cleo has had gold and platinum albums and has been one of the best known stars of the jazz world for decades - and her pedigree of regularly performing in the world's most famous concert halls means her appearance will be quite a coup for the festival.

John Dankworth, whose career has spanned more than 40 years, can put a friendship with Duke Ellington and concerts with Louis Armstrong on his CV of influences.

But it is Paul Daniels, who has been the subject of a revealing Louis Theroux documentary, who gets the festivities under way the night before.

Festival spokeswoman Carole Swingler said: "He won't only be doing magic. It will be a chance for people to find out what he's like.

"He will answer any questions put to him. Impertinent or not, he will answer them honestly! Several members of our committee have been to see him before and said he was absolutely wonderful."

This year's dance event will be, direct from Seville, Jaleo Flamenco at Harry Cheshire High School in Kidderminster - the closest suitable venue - on Wednesday, October 16.

Julian Lloyd Webber is the evening attraction on the Sunday while Germaine Greer is due in town on Tuesday, October 15.

Tony Benn presents "an anthology of dissent in words and music" with folk singer and guitarist Roy Bailey two nights later.

The festival will be wrapped up on Saturday, October 19 with the traditional last night party, with music courtesy of ABBA UK.

There will also be a host of daytime attractions, a range of events associated with the festival fringe and events in the town timed to coincide with the festival.

Mrs Swingler said: "We had a great response to the launch on Friday. The audience was applauding every act as they were announced.

"But Lindisfarne have been advertising their performance on their website for months so people have been ringing up about that since early May!"

Tickets go on sale to the public on Saturday, July 20 and will be available from the tourist information centre or Bewdley Books, both in Load Street, or from Mrs Swingler on 01299 403355.