A week of comedy, music, heritage and varied talks has been a massive success, say organisers.

The Southwold Arts Festival, in its fifth year, has attracted thousands of people to the town and seen acts as varied as Antiques Roadshow star Andy McConnell discussing the history of wine and Terry Molloy speaking about his life as Davros from Doctor Who grace the town.

Run by a dedicated group of volunteers passionate about the arts, the festival has been described as the most successful yet.

Lin Le Versha, festival director, said: 'This festival has been the most successful yet. We hope that this eight day celebration of the arts has entertained, stimulated and given local residents and visitors to our wonderful town a great week.

'Running from the June 23 until June 30, there are still a couple of days of entertainment on offer for visitors.'

She added: 'Our patron, Emma Freud, came from filming in Cardiff especially to open the festival. The street party was a riot of colour and noise, as the largest crowds in our five years enjoyed the stalls and the acts in the market square which the sunshine helped.

'The Young Musicians have been magical. Members of the audience who go to concerts at The Wigmore Hall or Covent Garden have commented on their star quality.

''You won't be able to afford some of these next year' said one member of the audience.'

Chris Ure, publicity coordinator, said: 'It has been a very successful festival week and there was a tangible buzz around the town.

'There has been a real interest and enthusiasm for each of the talks.

'There has been a strong interest in the music and comedy events this week.

And there is no doubt that visitors have come earlier in the summer to stay in Southwold for festival week. It is very busy in town and the atmosphere is great.'

He added: 'The festival team is really pleased by the positive support of residents, visitors, local shops and businesses.

'The local eateries seem to be doing well and there has been positive feedback about the quality and diversity of the festival events.'

The festival will close tomorrow, June 30 with a concert by Mica Paris at St Edmund's Church, Southwold, at 7.30pm.