Headline acts announced for city festival

A man with dark brown hair and wearing a blue suit with a white shirt and blue tie sits on a green chair, learning his head on his hand. A large string instrument can be seen behind him, alongside a microphone stand, guitar and trumpet resting on a wooden chair.Image source, Lichfield Festival
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Tony Hadley, former lead singer of Spandau Ballet, will perform at Lichfield Festival

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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.

A crowd of people sit and watch a live orchestra performing in a dimly lit Lichfield Cathedral.Image source, Lichfield Festival
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The multi-arts event will take place from 8 to 20 July

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.

Dozens of people sit outside a cathedral watching a theatre performance on an outdoor stage. The cast can be seen wearing costumes. A cathedral building and a house can be seen in the background.Image source, Lichfield Festival
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The festival will open with a performance of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night

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., external

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