Richard ParrThey could be the hottest tickets in town when they go on sale from the beginning of next month in readiness for the start of Dereham Festival.And the event's organisers have teamed-up with the the Dereham Times, to set up a box office in the newspaper's front office at Bond House on High Street, for the sale of tickets.Richard Parr

They could be the hottest tickets in town when they go on sale from the beginning of next month in readiness for the start of Dereham Festival.

And the event's organisers have teamed-up with the the Dereham Times, to set up a box office in the newspaper's front office at Bond House on High Street, for the sale of tickets.

The bi-annual community festival is the third to be staged since it was re-introduced in Dereham after an absence of 20 years and organisers say there is something in the colourful programme of events for everyone.

The event kicks off on May 21 with a gala concert in the elegant surroundings of Dereham Assembly Rooms and from then on until May 29 there will be a rich variety of events, ranging from rock opera in St Nicholas Church and a traditional ceilidh with the band Shinanikins , a jazz picnic, quiz night, an evening of Norfolk squit with Sid Kipper and a session of drumming, singing and dancing workshops.

A new event for this year is the Music in the Market Place event when the town's traffic-free market area will be the backdrop for a day of music and entertainment. There will be music to suit all tastes and acts including performances by Dereham Band, ladies clog dancing group Fiddlesticks and international clowns, Razz and Auntie Pearl.

Dereham Lions will be serving refreshments and there will also be a Fair Trade stall. Young musicians from the town will have an opportunity to showcase their skills at the event.

On May 23 there will be a jazz picnic starting at noon at Dereham Town Football Club ground with jazz band Savoir Faire which follows in the musical footsteps of the gypsy jazz groups. It has a repertoire of 30's and 40's swing standard interspersed with traditional Eastern European anthem.

An event that is sure to be popular is being presented at St Nicholas Church. Made in Heaven will feature songs from such shows as Jesus Christ Superstar, Godspell, Joseph and His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Sister Act, and the Hunchback of Notre Dame.

The show is being staged by the Dereham Operatic Society.

Before the actual festival starts, there are several events being staged, including Dereham's first 'fringe' arts festival for youngsters staged at various locations around the town. There is also a Festival Ramble.

Festival chairman Alan West and secretary Dorothy Sneesby said the Festival can only succeed with the support of townspeople and residents of the surrounding areas buying tickets and attending the events.

'Our slogan is that we have tried to provide something for everyone and we hope that people will really become involved and make it a Dereham Festival to remember,' said Mrs Sneesby.

The tickets go on sale from the Times reception office from Tuesday May 4 between Monday to Friday from 10am until 1pm and 2pm until 4pm.

Tickets can also be purchased by post by completing the booking form in the back of the Festival official programme, free copies of which are available at various shops and other outlets around the town. The form should be sent to Veronica Taylor at 52 Neatherd Road, Dereham NR 20 4AQ. Applicants should enclose a stamped-addressed envelope and make cheques payable to Dereham Festival.

Further information about the Festival is available by contacting Mrs Sneesby on 01362 694654 or via email to reddorothy15@my-emails.com.

Details can also be obtained from the Times website www.deretimes24.co.uk. The festival's website is www.derehamfestival.org.uk