THE curtain raises on a leading amateur dramatics event next weekend.

Brantham Amateur Theatrical Society presents the 26th edition of their Play Festival at the village hall, in New Village, on October 25.

Junior BATS will be performing Handscapes by Steve Eales to start the festivities at 1.30pm, followed by the Clactonbased Mad About Theatre Company’s topical titles Generation Selfie and Bake Off.

Finishing the afternoon session is the Zig Zag Theatre Group performing After School Special by Donna Brightwell.

At 7pm, Dovercourt Theatre Group perform sassy comedy Little Grimley presents Strictly Sex Factor (On Ice), followed by tragedy Dig for the Diggers by the East Bergholt Dramatic Society.

The evening will end with the adjudication by Mary Williamson, and then an awards presentation.

Event spokeswoman Angie Heath said: “The series of Play Festivals began in the 1980s and we are proud to carry on the tradition.

“It is a very friendly occasion and short plays are ideal to introduce new actors and directors.

“The material is extensive and we are grateful to local libraries for continuing to support us in difficult times.”

Tickets cost £5 per session or £8 for the whole day, and are available on the door or by texting 07891 974844.

Children can enter for £2 with their parents.

There will also be a raffle and a bar.