July and August have been a bit of a washout for weather, but now we are enjoying an Indian summer which will continue over the next week or so not only in terms of warmth and sunshine, but with a late season of festive fare. Yes, it's that time of year when festival fever hits Tenby tomorrow (Saturday) for eight glorious days.

This year's Tenby Arts Festival provides a fabulous feast of entertainment when it takes over the seaside town from September 22 to 29. The many visitors attracted by the cultural repast will be joined by hundreds of local residents who have learnt to appreciate the mouth-watering menu of music, drama, comedy, workshops, talks and art exhibitions, plus family fun at the seaside.

The star attraction of the main festival is Evelyn Glennie, the sensational percussionist who, on her first visit to the area, will provide an evening of sheer delight at Folly Farm Theatre, Begelly, on Friday, September 28. The acclaimed Morriston Orpheus Choir will perform at the same venue on the opening night. Tickets are now on sale at the box office and Folly Farm for both these events.

Adding to the musical scene will be the formidable King's Consort, with Lorna Anderson, soprano; the London Piano Trio, who have received rave reviews all over Europe; and Karin Leitner, flute, with Luminita Berariu, piano in Gems from the Romantic Era. Lleisiau Penfro - Voices of Pembroke, Tenby Male Choir and Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir will add their voices to the chorus but each on a different occasion. In addition, period music will echo once again in the Tudor Merchant's House accompanying Tudor Tales at lunchtime on September 29.

In the field of drama, Fluellen, no strangers to Tenby, will present in Wild Wales a new take on George Borrow's famous book; Susan Flannery and Michael Lunts provide a cocktail of witty song and comic verse in Wits' End, returning to Tenby by popular demand; while the award winning Tenby Players return in two comedies 'Last Tango In Tenby' and 'Deckchairs'; and old favourites Laurie and Pauline entertain at lunchtime on September 27 in Qube.

Youngsters have not been forgotten as another Young Bands Night is offered on the opening Saturday. Jazz lovers will also be catered for on the following Sunday when the famous jazz brunch at the Fourcroft Hotel can be enjoyed, while Claudia's Jazz Masters perform and again when the acclaimed Wyn Lodwick plays late night at the Royal Lion Hotel as the very last item on the festival programme.

There will be a variety of workshops and talks by experts in their fields on a wide range of topics.

Marcel Kouisseoue provides an African Fusion Fun dance workshop on the opening Saturday, while over that same weekend, Louise Diggle presents an art workshop at St. Lawrence Church, Gumfreston.

A quilting exhibition and lecture by Dilys Franks takes place on September 26 in Church House, while the following day, Dilys conducts a one-day applique workshop in Penally Village Hall.

Two outstanding talks with local connections are also featured. In 'Wish You Were Here', Mark Thomas presents previously unseen old photographs of Tenby and at 'The Angel Mountain Saga', the writer Brian John reveals why he was impelled to write his novels as well as revealing the myths and legends woven into their fabric.

As usual, the opening weekend kicks-off with a Grand Street Parade, led by the Mayor of Tenby, followed by an afternoon of free family fun presented by a host of talented musicians, dancers and street entertainers. The fringe events continue the next day on South Beach with a sand sculpture competition and other beach activities. Another important feature of the festival is the Art Trail around Tenby offering exhibitions by a wide range of artists at the various galleries, including Augustus and Gwen John, Andie Clay, Guy Manning, John Cahill, and Naomi Tydeman.

The festival programme is now available from tourist information centres, libraries and other outlets throughout Pembrokeshire. Further details can be obtained by ringing (01834) 845341 or by visiting the website at http://www.tenbyartsfest.co.uk">www.tenbyartsfest.co.uk The box office is located in the De Valence Pavilion, Upper Frog Street, Tenby, open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 3 pm each day. The box office 'phone number, during opening hours is 07968 693544.