PROGRAMMES for this year's Leominster Festival are due to be launched this weekend.

Festival organisers say this year's event will have a strong writing strand and a celebration of Leominster’s new Walkers are Welcome accreditation.

The festival's ‘30’ themed writing and poetry competition is now open with cash prizes in three age ranges.

Singers can also sign up for the Big Sing in Leominster's Priory Church with Concern Universal for on June 7.

Newly elected chairman, Wendy Coombey, said: "Last year’s Festival had great feedback from those attending the events and our aim this year is to do two things – celebrate the fact that this is the 30th Festival and to deliver another community-based festival with something that will appeal to everyone."

Events already organised include an exhibition marking 30 years of Leominster Festival, a writers’ slam, a BIG street event and talks on Dylan Thomas and Beatrice Cadbury.

There will also be events to commemorate the start of the First World War, an open mic evening, walks, a big pub quiz, music and family fun events in the pubs and the Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra.

The Festival runs from Saturday May 31 to Sunday June 8 2014 with tickets at the Tourist Information Centre.

Like the Leominster Festival Facebook page or visit leominster-festival.co.uk for more information.