THE award-winning Apex entertainment venue in Bury St Edmunds has a packed programme on offer this autumn, with everything from folk to opera and gospel to comedy.

Fans of folk music will be pleased to see big names such as Turin Brakes on October 12 and guitar legends John Renbourn, Wizz Jones and Clive Carroll on October 30 and Kathryn Tickell on November 1.

The Demon Barbers return with their fabulous folk and hip-hop dance extravaganza, The Lock In!, on October 19, which promises to bring together some of the UK’s top clog, sword and Morris dancers with their counterparts from the world of street dance.

Dodgy, best known for their hits Staying Out For The Summer and Good Enough, will making a welcome return to live gigging on October 27, while the legendary Blockheads play on November 2 and bass-heavy dub-dance pioneers Dreadzone perform on November 8.

World music lovers will appreciate the diversity of artists like Ethiopian lyre virtuoso Temesegen Zeleke and his band the Krar Collective performing on October 9. London Community Gospel Choir, with songs to uplift the soul and cheer your heart, perform on October 20.

The classical music season starts with the welcome return of Co-Opera Co on October 11 and continues with the internationally recognized British pianist Benjamin Grosvenor on October 23.

There will be a gig by 80s jazz-funk leaders Shakatak on October 21 and an intimate evening with West End and Broadway star Ruthie Henshall on October 26.

Not forgetting the free events, The Apex Gallery Black History Month Exhibition will be open from October 8-25 (10am-5pm, Monday to Saturday) to celebrate and give a voice to the rich diversity of cultures within the community. There will also be craft fairs and the ‘Strictly Saturdays’ dance club.

The Fat Cat Comedy Club returns on October 14.

More events are confirmed every day - visit www.theapex.co.uk

For tickets, ring the box office on 01284 758000.