It is a sure sign that summer is over when details of next year's Bermuda Festival are announced. Admittedly, the details are a little later than usual in coming this year, but that is because work has been proceeding on an exciting new approach to booking tickets providing information about the Festival's attractions and participating artists.

Today, the Festival proudly launched its revamped web site ? Bermuda Festival ? where interested persons can learn not only about all of the 2006 attractions, but also, through direct linkage with the artists' web sites, enjoy an interactive sampling of what it is they do via audio and video clips.

A clearly delighted Geoffrey Moore, chairman of the Bermuda Festival, sees this as being of benefit not only to Bermuda residents, but also as a way of attracting potential visitors to the Island and helping them to plan their vacations around the events of their choice.

But the "plusses" don't stop there.

From October 24, Festivalgoers will be able to book their tickets, choose their seats, and pay for them ? all on the Festival's user-friendly web site.

"That is going to be a major change in our administrative operation, and why we are a week or so late in publicising next year's Festival," Mr. Moore said.

However, for those without access to computers and the internet for on-line bookings, there is also good news: they will have two alternative options to purchase tickets.

One is by mail, and the other is through the physical box office, which will still be maintained at the usual site adjoining the Ferry Terminal building on Front Street ? but only between certain dates, and with shortened opening hours.

"The box office will open Monday to Saturday from 12 noon to 2 p.m. between November 28 and December 10, and again between January 9 and February 25," Mr. Moore said. "During that time, the ability to book tickets on line will be restricted."

Those wishing to advance-book by post will be able to do so after receiving the 2006 programme and attached order form, which is being mass-mailed islandwide on October 21. Completed forms will have to be returned to the Festival office by November 18.

Nonetheless, Mr. Moore hopes that, for those with the capability, on-line bookings would be the preferred route, and he anticipates that these will account for at least half of all ticket sales.

As to why on-line bookings will not commence until October 24, the chairman said this is to allow Festival benefactors, sponsors and patrons to order their tickets in advance of other sales.

"They are given preference because they contribute monies in excess of the value of the tickets, and that money is critical to a financially successful Festival," he said.

As generous as such contributors are, however, Mr. Moore said more were always welcome.

"Anyone wishing to become a benefactor, sponsor or patron should call the Festival office at 295-1291 and we will send them an information package immediately."

Regular Festivalgoers will note that the price of next year's tickets have risen. Adult tickets for most events will now cost $50, while those for students will be $25.

However, because the New Shanghai Circus is viewed as a "family" event, adult tickets will be discounted by ten percent to $45, while student tickets will remain unchanged at $25.

Viewing the thirteenth Bermuda Festival's line-up overall, the chairman is upbeat.

"We have continued our programme of diversity in order to encourage well-attended performances, and also to fulfil our obligation to the young and anticipated future audiences," he said. "I believe we will have something for everyone, and it will be a popular programme for most tastes."

As in previous years, the Festival will also continue its series of outreach programmes, which are specifically designed to foster an interest in the arts among Bermuda's young people.

"We have done this for many years, and the artists will either be going into the public and private schools, or the students will be coming to the theatre in school time," Mr. Moore said.

In a brief overview of the programme, the chairman sees the Soweto Gospel Choir as one of the main attractions.

"We tried to get them last year without success, but this year we have managed to book them for three nights in January during their American tour, and we are extremely delighted about this," he said.

Other highlights include Bermudian classical pianist Kimberley Cann, who is embarking on a professional concert career, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band from New Orleans, and the celebrated jazz musician Ramsey Lewis.

"We are going to end the Festival with a week of jazz," Mr. Moore said. "We are delighted to say that the Preservation Hall Jazz Band are still intact despite Hurricane Katrina, and they are looking forward to coming.

"Altogether the Festival programme will include three shows dealing with drama, five dealing with instrumental music, two dealing with dance ? both classical and modern ? as well as the Shanghai Circus and the Soweto Gospel Choir."

When the 2006 Festival closes, Mr. Moore will be in his ninth year as chairman, and he has decided that he will step down, but hopes to retain his association with the organisation.