A popular arts and music festival which was shorter than normal this year will be back up to 10 days in 2014.

Organisers of the Bury St Edmunds Festival have announced that next year’s event will run from Friday, May 16, to Sunday, May 25, offering a “stimulating” programme of music and arts events, with top professional performers and increased community input.

The return to the familiar ten-day programme follows strong feedback from audiences at this year’s festival, which was shorter than usual.

In a survey about the future of the festival, most people who responded said they preferred it to be held in May over ten days with a mix of art forms offering something for everyone.

Many regular followers highlighted the festival’s special atmosphere and high quality events that complement the year-round programme at the award-winning Apex concert hall.

For 2014, the festival will also be working closely with the Theatre Royal, other arts venues and community activities to offer a comprehensive programme involving the whole town.

Festival manager, Nick Wells, said: “The feedback showed many people have a passion for the festival and the special buzz it brings to Bury St Edmunds each May.

“It’s great to hear what audiences think, which helps me to put the festival programme together for next year.”

Sarah Stamp, St Edmundsbury Borough Council’s cabinet member for heritage, arts and culture, said: “The Bury St Edmunds Festival has always enjoyed strong support from the borough council and sponsors, even in difficult economic times.

“I am delighted that the festival can continue as I know how much it means to people and the benefits it brings to the local economy by attracting new visitors to the town and I am particularly excited about the opportunities for wider community involvement in 2014.”

Details of next year’s Festival programme will be announced in February 2014 with early booking for Festival Friends.

Visit the website at www.buryfestival.co.uk for more information.