A CHAGFORD businessman has lauded the town's cultural calendar as it gears up for two festivals expected to attract visitors later this year.
Neil Tappenden has been involved with the launch of Visit Chagford, a website designed to draw visitors to the town and let them know what is going on in the area.
His comments come in the wake of last month's Chagword Festival, the town's inaugural literary festival.
Mr Tappenden, of Visit Chagford, said: 'Chagford has a rapidly growing reputation as a centre for music, literature and film festivals driven by the success of Chagword, launched this year, the huge popularity of Chagstock, plus the acclaimed Chagford Film Festival, in the autumn.
'These festivals are great news for Chagford and help bring visitors from all over the world to browse our independent shops, historic centre and sample our fantastic eateries.'
Chagstock, which runs on Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20, is now in its seventh year, and will provide a showcase of the best music, food and entertainment the South West has to offer. Organisers have annouced Irish legends The Boomtown Rats as the headline act for this year's festival.
Featuring all four original members Bob Geldof, Pete Briquette, Garry Roberts and Simon Crowe, The Boomtown Rats' Chagstock appearance is their only 2013 UK festival headline performance, and one of only two UK dates this summer.
Other confirmed acts include Billy Bragg, Seth Lakeman and Kathryn Roberts, and Brother and Bones.
Ticket prices have been kept the same as in 2012 in recognition of the tough economic situation many people find themselves facing. The capacity has been capped to 5,000 to ensure a family-friendly atmosphere.
The town's film festival, now in its third year, has been proclaimed 'the best small film festival in the world' by Oscar winning producer of smash film The King's Speech Gareth Unwin. He was the guest of honour at the finale of the first festival in 2011.
The 2013 festival runs from September 23 to September 28, and will include an exciting and eclectic mix of films, workshops and events. Last year's line-up included a James Bond theme to celebrate 50 years of the film spy.
For more information visit the website http://www.visitchagford.com">www.visitchagford.com