COMEDIAN Matt Forde will open this year's Devizes Arts Festival and fans will be able to buy tickets for his show months before those for most acts go on sale.

Festival chairman Margaret Bryant expects sales for tickets to see the the comedian, who is known for his shows on TV and radio, will be brisk and has advised that the best way to secure a seat is by becoming a friend of the festival.

Friends tickets have just gone on sale and members will get a three week head start to buy tickets before they go on general sale at the end of January. He will be hosting his new show It's My Political Party (And I'll Cry if I Want To) on June 1. Tickets cost £15 for friends or £16 to the general public.

Mrs Bryant said: "Friends make a vital contribution to the festival’s success. Their support ensures that the festival can continue to bring creative and high quality performers from a wide range of genres to the town.

"When you become a friend you get priority booking, discounted ticket prices for all festival events and an invite to the exclusive new-look launch party on 31st May."

Mr Forde has appeared on shows such as 8 Out Of 10 Cats, Stand Up For The Week and Russell Howard's Good News. In 2016 he hosted the political comedy show Unspun on Dave.

Tickets for most festival acts will not go on sale until much nearer the

To get full details about the festival line up and how to become a friend go to www.devizesartsfestival.org.uk