STREET entertainment in the High Street will be a major feature of the Ledbury Celebration, which will mark both the 21st anniversary of the town's Poetry Festival and the 400th birthday of the Market House.

It will be the first time in years that an all-day street party during the Poetry Festival has actually taken place in the High Street, which will be closed to traffic.

In previous years, a Food Festival on a town centre car park has helped to bring Poetry Festival celebrations to a close.

The ever popular food festival, organised by Ledbury Food Group, will take place again this year.

But because of the important anniversary dates to celebrate, the day will offer much more, from live entertainment to exhibitions.

A spokesman said: "The Ledbury Poetry Festival celebrates its own 21st Birthday with a party event featuring a fine array of acts including the Ledbury Community Brass Band; dance with Dancefest, retro pop with The Sequins, poets Nick Lovell and Brenda Read-Brown, samba with Samba Galez, world music from Flatworld and beat-box with Dave Crowe."

Big crowds are expected, and there will be plenty to keep everyone well fed.

The spokesman added: "The fabulous local food festival in Ledbury’s High Street will celebrate the 400th anniversary of Ledbury Market House’s role as the centre piece of the Town and its market place. Nearly 30 stalls will line the High Street with a feast of locally produced food and drink."

Ledbury’s own Silurian Morris Men will be there to celebrate the Market House’s 400th birthday.

The Market House will be presented with a birthday cake and it will host an exhibition of over 200 birthday cards produced by children from Ledbury Primary School.

The spokesman added: "Old Ledbury will not forgotten with a display about our heritage buildings upstairs in the Market House, and dramatic interludes featuring people from Ledbury’s past around the town, ending in a drama under the Market House.

"The High Street will be closed to traffic all day for the celebration. Free parking will be available at the public car parks, and the Friends of John Masefield High School are providing additional parking at the School, for a small donation."

The entertainment will take place in the High Street all day from 11am to 6pm, on Sunday July 9.