With more than 30 events in just over two weeks, Devizes Festival is keeping up the standards of previous years in bringing international top-class acts to the town .

There is music from global underground cult band New Model Army, jazz singer Kate Dimbleby and virtuoso pianist Alexandra Dariescu.

Favourites such as the tutored beer tasting at the Wadworth Brewery and the Café Scientifique discussion at the Jal Khabar restaurant are back, while the free fringe blossoms on Saturday, June 15, with four free events from 3pm until late into the night.

Despite the expense of booking so many professional acts, the organisers have managed to keep prices down by the generous sponsorship of local companies.

Financial advisers Brewin Dolphin have again agreed to be lead sponsors with additional support being given by solicitors Awdry, Bailey and Douglas and brewers Wadworth, while other businesses are helping out with free use of their facilities or by sponsoring individual events.

The festival box office opened yesterday at Devizes Books and bookings are taken from 9.30am to 4.30pm in person or by calling (01380) 738686.

You can also book some events online at www.devizes festival.co.uk Full details of all events are in the festival brochure, free of charge from outlets all over the area.