THERE were record-breaking ticket sales at this year's Three Choirs Festival in Hereford.

Organisers said ticket sales were around £450,000, with 2,000 visitors a day coming to the city for the festival.

Once every three years Hereford Cathedral and other venues in and around the city play host to the longest-running classical music festival in the world- this year celebrating its 300th anniversary.

The Hereford Times produced a special eight-page pull-out to mark the festival.

Clare Stevens, marketing and media manager, said: "Most of our main evening concerts were sold out in the Cathedral.

"It was fantastic. We had a huge boost in particular from the involvement of the Hereford Times. It gave the festival a much higher profile in the community than it has in recent years. We are very grateful for that."

She said they also had a great story to tell as it was the 300th anniversary, which interested national media.

Mrs Stevens said there was also a very good programme with something for everyone and the Three Choirs Plus events proved very successful.

International soloists and conductors, chamber music ensembles, young performers and singers performed during the festival between July 25 and August 1.

Mrs Stevens said: "We also have enormous support from the Philharmonia Orchestra.

”Having one of the country's top symphony orchestra involved makes it very special. Their technical and administrative support for us is hugely valued."

She said they were also grateful to the owners of the Left Bank for being able to use the venue for smaller events.

Mrs Stevens said the festival has an enthusiastic following in the United States and people travel from across the UK to attend.

She added that people are already booking hotel rooms for three-years-time when the festival will next be in Hereford.