THE Biggar Little Festival returned with a bang for its 20th anniversary celebrations.

Starting last week (October 13) and running until Sunday (October 23), the 10-day event celebrates the creative talents found around the town and in the surrounding areas.

The festival began with a one-act performance of Shakespeare's tragedy Macbeth by Lanark Grammar School; the opening of The Beauty Of The Beast Art Exhibition at Biggar and Clydesdale Museum; and Unity in Variety – an exhibition also opened at Carol Taylor's studio and gallery.

A festival spokesperson said: "Biggar Little Festival is back and bigger than ever for an exciting 20th Anniversary year.

"With more than 70 events over 10 days in October, the Festival offers comedy headliners including Fred MacCauley and Jay Lafferty, theatre headliners including David Hayman, Tram Direct Theatre Company and John Hughes and music headliners including James Grant and the Hallelujah String Quartet, the legendary Dougie MacLean and an evening with Scottish Opera.

"We have family and children’s events throughout the festival and on Sunday, October 16 we have the return of the ever popular Biggar Day Out with street entertainment including a bouncy castle, the Food and Craft Fair and Open Mic at the Corn Exchange.

"With eight exhibitions, several workshops and an Open Studios Trail stretching from Douglas and Lanark to Stobo, there is fabulous art to discover both in the town and in beautiful locations around the region."

This weekend, events include the final performance by Diane Garisto, Scottish Opera Highlights, performances from local bands at the Festival Club, and on Sunday Biggar Little Orchestra will take to the stage at Biggar Municipal Hall.

For more information this weekend's events and those beyond the festival, visit: www.biggarlittlefestival.com