MORE than 800 tickets have been sold for a popular event, making this year its most successful yet.

The annual Oyster Festival, which takes place at Hardwick Hall Hotel, in Sedgfield, is in its 11th year.

The festival, which brings together fine food and entertainment, has sold 825 tickets since they went on sale last month.

John Adamson, managing director of Ramside Estates, said: “We've experienced a real increase in demand this year for the Oyster Festival which is fantastic for us. We're not even in August yet and we're already close to selling out.

“The ticket success this year just shows how the event has gone from strength-to-strength and now we're in the eleventh year, it's great that more people than ever want to get involved and enjoy a day to remember.

American soul legend Alexander O'Neal will headline the event, Eastenders star Terry Alderton will be performing a comedy routine routine and the Wildcats of Kilkenny and JJ Galway Band will also perform.

Tickets are £140 plus VAT. To book, call Hardwick Hall on 01740-620253 or email events@hardwickhallhotel.co.uk