A butcher's bangers will give a boost to the launch of the Ledbury English Festival.

Andy Waller's culinary creations will be unveiled at the start of the event on Wednesday, April 21.

The recipe for the Ledbury Sausage has been specially produced for the launch of the festival by the Homend butcher.

Around 15 events are lined up for the four-day Ledbury English Festival, including a parade with St George and the dragon on the evening of St George's Day, April 23. The procession will finish at St Michael and All Angels' Church, where the Ledbury in Bloom campaign for 2004 will be officially launched.

Festival chairman Andy Ward said: "The idea is to promote all that's best in Ledbury."

This year, individual groups have been encouraged to run their own events under festival banner.

Ledbury Poetry Festival will stage Life Lines, with poet Graham Hartill, at the Burgage Hall on April 22. Mr Hartill has transcribed the memories of Ledbury's senior citizens into verse. The show will also include music by Ledbury-based folk band, The Tree Frogs.

The John Masefield Society will present the Poems of John Masefield at the Burgage Hall on Friday, April 23. The recital, by The Poetry Trio of Christine Adams, Sandra Appleton and Wyn Hobson, will also include an account of the life of Ledbury's most famous son. Ledbury Choral Society will perform Elgar's The Music Makers at the Parish Church, hopefully on April 26.

The programme is being finalised and Mr Ward is hoping to raise £1,000 in sponsorship, to help with running costs. To help, ring 01531 632963.