DEVIZES Arts Festival gets underway tomorrow (May 31) and the town can look forward to two weeks of entertainment from spanning all genres.

Music plays a huge part in the festival, which runs until June 16, and there is still time to get tickets for some big names.

On June 8 British soul group The Real Thing will be on stage in the Corn Exchange at 8pm. The group was formed in the 1970s and had a string of British hits and won international acclaim with the song You To Me Are Everything which reached number one in the UK singles chart.

Festival chairman Margaret Bryant said: "We are thrilled to bring this fabulous act to the town – be prepared to get up and dance to their great sounds.

"Formed in 1972, The Real Thing are quite simply, the longest-established – and best-loved – black group in UK entertainment history."

She is advising people to book now for whichever acts take their fancy. She said: "Six events are already sold out - so get your tickets quickly.

"Main musical evenings are still available and they will really be swinging."

On December 15 Grupo Lokito will be bringing a fusion of contemporary Congolese and Cuban music and are sure to bring a party vibe.

A range of classical to jazz on other evenings includes international piano/violin/clarinet trio Metamorphoses, Township Jazz by Sunsplash and the Nat King Cole story by Atila.

Comedy features include An evening of Eric and Ern - Olivier Award nominated duo, from West End hit Eric and Little Ern. They will bring renditions of those famous comedy sketches that hit the right notes – but not necessarily in the right order.

Audiences with Fay Weldon, and Bob Flowerdew also await and there are a number of literary events plus six free festival fringe events. Get full details at www.devizesartsfestival.org.uk

Box office is on07552 451103 or at Devizes Books.