TICKETS are to go on sale for this year’s credit crunching Sodbury Festival.

Highlights in the 2009 programme include artists and comedians, concerts and family fun all designed to give people some light-hearted relief from the economic downturn and entice people out to enjoy themselves.

Chairman of the organising committee Liz Gregson said: "We are very conscious of the economic situation. All our prices are the same as last year and although we are trying some new things we haven’t been too experimental as we are aware people do not have much money available at the moment."

The first tickets for the festival, which takes place between Friday, June 12 and Sunday, June 21, went go on sale tomorrow at Chipping Sodbury Tourist Information Centre and Farrago, on Horse Street. Broadcaster and comedian Barry Cryer is expected to bring the house down when he performs an evening of sketches, with his pianist Colin Sell, at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall on Wednesday, June 17. The script writer and panelist on long-running BBC radio comedy programme I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue is bringing his Still Alive tour to the region for the first time.

"Apparently he has been trying to play in Bristol or Bath for years," said Mrs Gregson.

"He really wants to come to the South West and Chipping Sodbury likes to be first. It should be really good fun."

This year’s theme for the festival is the French Connection, celebrating the town’s 30-year anniversary of links with the town of Cesson in France.

"It gives the festival a focus," said Mrs Gregson.

"We have a number of events with a French theme including an afternoon of boules and skittles on Saturday, June 13 on the playing fields at St John’s Mead Primary School.

"On the last Saturday, June 20, a French band from Cesson will play in the High Street alternating with Dodington Parish Band.

"The children’s art exhibition, concerts and the Last Night of the Proms will all have a French theme as well."

Gazette photographer Steve Richards is giving a talk about his 30 years taking pictures in Yate, Chipping Sodbury, Thornbury and Dursley for your local paper.

Steve will be showing examples of his finest work at the town hall on Thursday, June 18 (10.30am).

The Flowers Polysteel Band, from Cheltenham, are returning due to popular demand on Saturday, June 13 (8pm).

The festival will culminate in a traditional family carnival and parade through the streets on Saturday, June 20 including floats decorated by the local schools.

Leaflets detailing all the events and times and locations will be distributed at shops in the town and to people’s homes.