Richard ParrThe countdown is on for the start of Dereham Festival 2010 which will see a jolly jamboree of arts and musical entertainment at various locations around the town.Richard Parr

The countdown is on for the start of Dereham Festival 2010 which will see a jolly jamboree of arts and musical entertainment at various locations around the town.

'Something for everyone' is promised by organisers in the colourful programme which will see the town come alive with a festival atmosphere.

The programme caters for a wide range of artistic and musical tastes, ranging from an art exhibition of work by local school children, a rock opera, a town quiz, drumming, singing and dancing workshops and a festival ramble.

The organising committee have been working hard for many months to ensure that in their words 'there is something for everyone' and secretary Dorothy Sneesby reports that tickets sales, from The Times reception office on High Street, are going at a 'steady' rate.

'Ticket sales are steady but we would urge people who have not yet bought their tickets to do so as soon as possible to ensure they do not miss out. It's a festival in which everyone can be involved and we hope everyone has a great time. The event starts on May 21 with a gala concert at the town's Assembly Rooms when soprano Meg Starling will be accompanied by flutist, Anna Hoskins and David Morgan, on keyboard.

The concert should get the festival off to a stylish start and will herald eight days of top-class entertainment for town residents and visitors alike.

The town will come alive with colour and sound on May 22 when Dereham market place will provide the backdrop for music and entertainment from 10am until 4pm.

Dereham Band will open the party and entertainment will include the King's Morris Men, North West Clog Fiddlesticks and Razz and Pearl international clowns.

Local band Polaris, with their own blend of rock 'n roll and 60s/70s pop rock will take to the stage. Everyone is welcome to the free event.

Rehearsals are in full swing for a special one-night only concert by the adult and youth companies of Dereham Operatic Society on May 26.

In the beautiful surroundings of St Nicholas' Church, Made in Heaven, reflecting the joys, prayers, celebrations, inspiration and hope that its walls have witnessed down the centuries. Songs will be from such show-stopping shows as Jesus Christ Superstar, Les Miserables, Godspell,, The Sound of Music and Joseph. Tickets at �8 (�6 concessions) are available from Hallmark, Nelson Place, Dereham on 01362 694222.

A full programme of Dereham Festival events can be found in today's Dereham Times.