LUDLOW Fringe has lifted the curtain on a diverse and ambitious programme for 2021.

The Ludlow Fringe Festival has received a grant of £49,500 from the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund to help the organisation recover and reopen.

More than £300 million has been awarded to thousands of cultural organisations across the country including the Ludlow Fringe Festival in the latest round of support from the Culture Recovery Fund.

The grant will go towards supporting a mixed-model programme with live outdoor and indoor performances in carefully selected venues and a broad and diverse on-line programme of live streamed and pre-recorded performances from local, national and international artists of all genres.

There is also a planned art trail with exhibitions in and around Ludlow town centre and a sculpture trail held in the magical and inspiring grounds of Stokesay Court.

The trails will feature uplifting, inspiring artworks from 60 exhibiting artists, painters, sculptors, makers, photographers and other creatives.

Shakespeare lovers will be overwhelmed for choice this year with a six night production of King Lear in the fabulous grounds of Stokesay Court, a one-night performance of Midsummer Night’s Dream by London-based Quantum Theatre, the Tragedy of Macbethfrom award-winning Flabberghast Theatre and a radio play version of Midsummer Night’s Dream for listening at home and bought to audiences by 2 Score Theatre.

Comedy has always been a cornerstone of the Ludlow Fringe and this year is no exception. From stand up to mad-cap magical escapades from touring comedy theatre groups, there is sure to be some great opportunities for a much needed, rib-tickling laugh.

This year, the Ludlow Fringe’s Grand Finale will be a whole weekend of music and entertainment at the Ludlow Brewery.

Prices are intended to make art accessible for all.