THORNBURY Arts Festival's first weekend, starting on Friday, April 15, sees one of the great pioneers of TV journalism, Joan Bakewell, in town.

The following day, physicist Dr Karen Bultitude will give children and families the opportunity to have fun while effortlessly learning the gas laws, and local opera buffs can enjoy a close encounter with Hatstand Opera.

It should all make for a great start - but there's a lot more in store after the weekend. Duo del fuego, the breathtaking combination of classical guitarist Hayley Savage and virtuoso violinist Roger Huckle will give a concert on Monday, April 18 in the atmospheric setting of St Mary's Church, still be-decked from the previous weekend's Festival of Flowers. Hayley and Roger will play solo and duet pieces and the concert will also include virtuoso works by Paganini, Locatelli and the Popular Spanish Suite by Manuel De Falla.

Recent performances by Duo del fuego have been described as a "superb, beautifully executed and electrifying".

Those interested in space and the mystery of the stars will have the chance to view extraordinary images presented by award winning author Peter Bond, Space Advisor to the Royal Astronomical Society, whose fascinating talk on Tuesday April 19 is entitled The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Universe. Peter has been a life-long space enthusiast and will show images taken by the Hubble space telescope and recent planetary probes. He is the author of seven books and numerous articles and is frequently asked to appear on TV and radio to comment on astronomical discoveries and events.

His DK Guide to Space won the Aventis Prize for Best Junior Science in 2000 and his latest published work is an in-depth account of the International Space Station. After his talk, Peter will be happy to take questions on any area of his extensive knowledge and expertise. Local drummer and jazz musician Dave Betts will bring his Quintet - specialising in funky latin jazz - to the Armstrong Hall in a relaxed cabaret-style performance on Wednesday April 20 at 8pm. Dave will feature on percussion, Jerry Crozier-Cole on guitar, Katie Elliott on flute, Mat Sibley on saxophones, Anders Olinder on piano and Greg Cordez on bass. Dave and his quintet have achieved great success at the London Jazz Festival and at Ronnie Scott's Club and this will be a much welcomed return to Thornbury.

On the same evening, those preferring more introspective entertainment may like to come along to hear Paul Henry, the Newport-based poet and songwriter, perform his thoughtful pieces in The Breath of Sleeping Boys - An Evening of Poetry and Music in the United Reformed Church at 8pm. The Times Literary Supplement said "Henry reminds us that extraordinary poetry is to be found in the ordinary events of love."

Great fun is in store for those with tickets for Rodney Bewes single-handed, idiosyncratic and hilarious adaptation of Jerome K Jerome's Three Men in a Boat on Thursday, April 21 at 8pm in the Armstrong Hall. and isAlthough perhaps best known for the TV series and film of The Likely Lads, Rodney has had an illustrious career in TV and theatre. He also has a passion for boats and describes his love of restoring antique boats as a kind of therapy.

Set in 1922, the adaptation sees Jerome recalling his japes, scrapes and narrow escapes with George and Harris.

For this production, Rodney brings his own 24-foot Edwardian skiff and a dog on wheels called Montmorency. He will be inviting audience membersand those with a passion for boats onto the stage at the end of the performance and expects to be involved in extended conversations in the Excell Bar after the show.

Full details of festival events are summarised on the website www.thornburyartsfestival.com which includes up-to-date news, a downloadable Events Guide and an order form for tickets.

Postal booking for all events is now available by calling 01454 411695 and the Box Office opens in the Town Hall from next Monday (10am-4pm).