Headline acts announced for city festival

Former Spandau Ballet frontman Tony Hadley and folk group The Unthanks are among headline acts at this year's Lichfield Festival, organisers have announced.

The festival, which runs from 8 to 20 July, takes place across venues such as Lichfield Cathedral, St Michael's Church, the Guildhall and Beacon Park.

Organisers said the event, which it dubbed one of the country's "most eclectic multi-arts festivals" would feature world-class artists and local voices from music, theatre, dance and comedy.

The festival also included a world premiere of Gingerland, a new dance show created by Strictly Come Dancing dancer Neil Jones, a spokesperson added.

On for two nights, the family-friendly comedy features a "dazzling cast of top professional dancers, with glamorous costumes and original music," organisers added.

Other artists headlining this year's event include brass ensemble Black Dyke Band, Sam Every (Little) Big Band, choir Tenebrae and jazz artist Jacqui Dankworth.

The 11-day festival will close with a candlelit concert by Jeneba Kanneh-Mason in Lichfield Cathedral.

A new discounted ticket initiative was also launched this year, offering discounted prices for under 30s, carers, children and eligible community groups,

Tickets and the full event programme have been listed on the festival's website.

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