THE new programme of Worcester's Huntingdon Hall includes a mixture of new faces and old friends.

The venue has a number of events to come before its summer break, including a visit by jazz singer Stacey Kent (July 6) and comedy from Hinge and Bracket (July 13).

September opens with the folk-rock band Blue Horses, making a return to the venue and fresh from an appearance at Malvern's May Day celebrations.

Karen Tweed's May Monday is a rare chance to see one of the artist's one-off projects and a return to the Hall, following appearances with The Poozies and Two Duos Quartet.

Completely new arrivals include Al Stewart on September 15, which is already selling well, and Rory McLeod, a one man band whose musical talents extend to the spoons, djeme drums and tap shoes. Also among the new arrivals is playwright John Mortimer talking about love, life and the law with the help of actresses Angharad Rees and Joanna David on October 6.

Also new is accordion player Luke Daniels and his band on September 27, with new work fusing traditional Irish rhythms with contemporary jazz and classical influences.

Fans of Cypriot born pianist Martimo Tirimo can catch him for the first time at the Hall on September 28 and also new is the Tom Martin Band on September 29, Rock, Salt and Nails on October 9 and a tribute to Eric Clapton on October 20.

Among the names returning to the venue are Rabbi Lionel Blue on September 13, Paul Lamb and the Kingsnakes on September 14, the Phil Beer Band on September 30, John Kirkpatrick and Roy Bailey on October 2, Ralph McTell on October 11, Roy Hudd on October 12, The Battlefield Band on October 19 and Vin Garbutt on October 27.

Sandwiched in between is a charity concert by the hugely popular Show of Hands, in aid of Amnesty International, on October 25.

For ticket information or to get hold of a brochure ring the box office on 01905 611427.