DRAGONS have made an early appearance on the streets of Ledbury, ahead of the town's English Festival.

The five day event is being opened on Wednesday with an evening parade to St Michael and All Angels Church. Ledbury in Bloom's 2003 campaign will also be launched on the night.

The festival will finish with a Sunday Spectacular, with street entertainment in the town centre.

Festival chairman Andy Ward said tickets for the various events were selling well. To outline what's on offer, a promotional stand and ticket stall will be in place under the Market House tomorrow (Saturday) from 10am to 3.30pm.

He said he hoped that festival would establish itself and become an annual fixture.

Local groups supporting this year's festival include the John Masefield Society, Ledbury Poetry Festival, Ledbury Choral Society and the Ledbury and District Society.