Artists, actors, musicians and photographers are gearing up for a major festival.

The Wantage Summer Festival is a month-long season of arts events celebrating the town and surrounding area. This year's event,the sixth to have been staged, is expected to be the biggest so far.

The event, previously known as the Wantage Festival of Arts, was re-named to reflect the wider range of activities and skills on show. It will start with a grand opening procession through the town centre on Saturday, June 9, featuring a session of music, song and dance outside the Bear Hotel.

Other treats include an exhibition of photography by the Wantage Camera Club, lacemaking demonstrations, a jazz performance, an old-style music hall celebration and professional theatre workshops for adults and children.

Festival chairman Jim Moley said: "Although centred on Wantage, this festival is a platform for talented creative groups from all the vale and downland Communities.

"The abundant nature of this talent is reflected in the fact there are some 70 events taking place during the course of one month. As in the past, all tastes will be catered for."

Publicity officer Greta Thornbory said: "Every year the festival builds on its previous success and this year's will be no exception."

Festival programmes and tickets are available from the Tourist Information Centre in the Vale and Downland Museum, Church Street, Wantage.