TEN years after his last visit to Thornbury, Barry Cryer has sold out in double quick time for his performance at this month's Thornbury Arts Festival.

Also making a welcome return (Friday, April 27) is Hatstand Opera, on this occasion with Lights, Camera... Action! - a show featuring movie music from opera to famous screen songs, all performed in Hatstand's inimitable style with great audience interaction.

Interest is high in multi-talented jazz saxophonist Andy Sheppard with his new collective Cascade - behind eight bars (Wednesday, April 25). Andy is joined by four extraordinary musicians - fiddler Aidan O'Rourke (of super group Blazing Fiddles), Simon Thoumire on concertina, Sheema Mukherjee on sitar and Kuljit Bhamra on tabla and percussions.

"A lot of people are looking forward to this one with relish,' said Festival artistic director Barbara Ray. "This is entrancing, life-enhancing music devised especially for this tour."

On Saturday morning (April 28) it's all aboard shipmates for The Festival Players Theatre Company in association with the Fabulous Old Spot Theatre Company's production of Treasure Island - promising a fantastic show for all the family.

A chance to get some gentle exercise while at the same time as appreciating our fast growing new woodland is on offer on the last Sunday of the Festival (April 29) when Allan Burberry of Avon Wildlife Trust leads A Walk in the Woods (10am and 2.30pm, followed by tea, coffee and home-made cakes).

Make a point of visiting St Mary Centre on Saturday, April 14 to hear talented local musicians Keith Hyett, the Thornbury Community Choir and the Five Alive Concert Party led by Gill Edmunds. Castle School bands are unfortunately unable to appear as planned.

It will be party time in Thornbury's St Mary Centre on the first Saturday with Bristol anarchic street band, The Ambling Band, who provide Fun on the Edge of Madness. Booking in the Town Hall festival office 10am to 4pm, except Sundays.