MUNDESLEY Festival has had to hike some of its ticket prices because of a ban on using the balcony at its village hall home.It's 24th season this August is feeling the impact of a bar imposed last year, but whose ripples are now being felt by showgoers.

MUNDESLEY Festival has had to hike some of its ticket prices because of a ban on using the balcony at its village hall home.

It's 24th season this August is feeling the impact of a bar imposed last year, but whose ripples are now being felt by showgoers.

The 24-seater balcony at the Coronation Hall cannot be used because of fire escape safety concerns.

Hall chairman Pam Malone said it was a decision forced on them by fire officers, who had concerns there was only one narrow stairway to the balcony.

“It is fine for a few people to watch badminton up there, but we have had to say no during the festival and other shows,” she added.

The move caused some embarrassment last year when first introduced because ticket sales had already begun, but all the people affected had the situation explained to them, and “there is nothing we can do,” said Mrs Malone.

It meant the loss of about £240 in ticket sales each night of the week-long festival, said its general manager Derek Kirk.

“The acts don't get any cheaper, so it is limiting who we can get at an affordable ticket price,” he added.

Two pound rises had been added to some nights, but it is not marring this summer's event where a strong line up has seen ticket sales more than £1,000 ahead of this time last year.

It includes a visit by folk singer Isla St Clair, and a leg of the farewell tour of Keith Skipper's Press Gang.

Programme:

Sunday August 3 - Old Time Music Hall

Monday August 4 - Jonathan Wyatt Big Band with Ollie Day

Tuesday August 5 - Press Gang

Wednesday August 6 - Vintage jazz with Dennis Lotis

Thursday August 7 - Isla St Clair

Friday August 8 - Oscar Peterson tribute with Helen Baden

Saturday August 9 - Lloyd Webber show songs by Upper Octave

Tickets from the box office on 01263 721189 or 07867 632998.

More programme information on the festival website, available on www.EDP24.co.uk/dailylinks