Booking bonanza

Newbury Spring Festival's opening concert sells out within two days

A reception to mark the opening of public booking for the 33rd Newbury Spring Festival (May 7 to 21) took place at the Corn Exchange yesterday (Friday). Tickets went on general sale on Wednesday for this glorious fortnight of world-class music in Newbury and its neighbouring villages, where international symphony orchestras, ensembles and soloists rub shoulders with jazz legends, world music artists and the classical stars of tomorrow.

As usual, a queue formed around the block for opening time at the Corn Exchange, where the public waited patiently to book their much-awaited tickets. The opening concert by the world-renowned Philharmonia Orchestra was sold out within the first two days, as are several other events. The guest speaker, Newbury MP Richard Benyon, praised the depth and variety of the programme - for more see Thursday's NWN.

Tickets are available from the Festival box office, The Corn Exchange, Market Place, Newbury RG14 5BH, telephone 01635 522733 or visit www.newburyspringfestival.org.uk

For a festival guide telephone 01635 528766 or email info@newburyspringfestival.org.uk