WRITER and broadcaster Melvyn Bragg praised the vitality of Beaminster when he appeared on the opening weekend of the town’s annual festival.

Lord Bragg spoke in front of nearly 300 guests at St Mary’s Church about the impact of the King James Bible as the 11-day Beaminster Festival of Arts got underway.

It was the veteran broadcaster’s second visit to the festival, run by festival director Tanya Bruce-Lockhart, who was a producer on his acclaimed South Bank Show.

Lord Bragg said before his talk: “I last came here about two to three years ago. It is a lovely town and a lovely place.

“I came back because of Tanya. We started working together in 1977.”

He added: “Festivals seem to thrive in such communities as Beaminster.

“The British do like a festival. I think there are about 400 of them.”

Lord Bragg gave a passionate speech as part of his campaign to revive the reputation of the King James Bible and the importance of its influence on the world.

He also signed copies of his book, The Book of Books – The Radical Impact of the King James Bible, on a Waterstones stand.

Ms Bruce-Lockhart described Lord Bragg’s talk on Saturday lunchtime as enthralling.

She told the audience: “We are absolutely delighted and thrilled that Melvyn has agreed to be in Beaminster this year.”

Lord Bragg said that it was very good to be in Beaminster and joked that he had been summoned by Ms Bruce-Lockhart.

He also added that last time he visited he did too much shopping as he liked the shops in Beaminster.

The 16th annual festival also featured bands and music, including the Beaminster School band and the Jess Upton Soul Band in the evening.

Art was also on display during the weekend with an Art Trail around the town at such venues as the museum and the Bridge House Hotel.

There was also a festival service, a performance of Fantastic Mr Fox and recitals.

The festival continues during the week before the Beaminster Big Day on Sunday, July 3.