PEOPLE in and around Ludlow are being urged to show their support for the town’s annual Arts Festivals, which this year have joined together to promote themselves in the ‘3 Weeks in Ludlow’ brochure; a combination of a week of classical music at St Laurence Church in Ludlow, performances of Hamlet from Rooftop Theatre and Ludlow Fringe.

‘3 Weeks in Ludlow’ is approaching the end of its first week and the women responsible for organising the final two weeks, Ludlow Fringe, want people to dip into their pockets and ensure its success.

Ludlow Fringe has more than 60 shows with highlights including some amazing theatre that has taken the international Fringe world by storm: Tatterdemalion, Shakespeare’s Avengers Assemblth, Hats Off to Laurel & Hardy, Just Like That! The Tommy Cooper Show and more. There’s also a week of top comedy at Ludlow Brewery from great comedians who will be appearing in Edinburgh later in the year at the international jamboree.

“What better chance to watch some fantastic theatre and comedy without having to go to the Edinburgh Festival, not many towns get such a line-up on their doorstep!” said marketing director Sam Cole.

There will be events throughout the town including music, comedy, theatre, art, dance and even Shakespeare on The Millennium Green from the world-famous Lord Chamberlain’s Men.

“We’ve learned from previous festivals not to rely too heavily on outdoor performances though, especially in view of the inclement weather; we have more than 60 different shows but only five of these are outdoors and so this makes us much less vulnerable,” she said.

“We have tried to provide something for everyone with plenty of free events and ticket prices capped to make Ludlow Fringe shows affordable.”

But making 3 Weeks in Ludlow a financial success of has not been easy.  The three festivals have had to find sponsorship, as funding from the traditional sources is not plentiful these days. 

“This was part of the reason for joining forces in one brochure,” Sam commented. “It made sense for us to share costs in promotion. Having three arts festivals over three weeks provides a better incentive for arts tourists to visit Ludlow, as well as encouraging local people to come into the town to enjoy the wonderful arts events we put on collectively.”

She continued: “This year, the three festivals have avoided programming too much of the same thing so that there’s not a number of events clashing or chasing the same audience and so far this seems to be working well.  We’re all very pleased about it.”

She said that Ludlow has an approach to events that makes it difficult for organisers and does sometimes make for sleepless nights.

 “There is a very strong tradition of late booking in the town which makes it difficult for organisers and performers alike, so please, if you want to see something pop into Ludlow Assembly Rooms and get your tickets.

“Some of the venues use are small ones with only 45 – 50 seats and we’d hate for people to be disappointed.  We will be selling tickets on the door for the larger venues as usual and look forward to seeing you there.”

All tickets are available from Ludlow Assembly Rooms box office, 01584 878141 or on line www.ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk