The Island gets its jump start to arts activity tonight when the curtain is raised on the 2005 Bermuda Festival. More than 14,000 tickets have been sold to date with several acts completely sold out.

Festival chairman Geoffrey Moore said: "We are pleased that ticket sales have been so strong, in fact in excess of 80 percent of tickets have been sold."

Opening the 2005 season, is playwright Rob Becker's 'Defending the Caveman' which is among the sold out events. So popular was this event that an additional night was added which has already sold out.

But Mr. Moore said that last minute return tickets will be available on the nights of the performance.

"Interested patrons are encouraged to go the theatre 30 minutes prior to the performance, where any returned tickets will be resold," he said.

Other sold out acts include AMICI Forever and MOMIX Opus Cactus. Flamenco in concert was the first event to sell out but Mr. Moore revealed last night that the Festival were able to secure the troupe for an additional nights performance on February 13. Tickets for the February 13 performance are still available.

Tickets for performances can be purchased online at www.bermudafestival.com or from the Festival Box Office (next to the Ferry Terminal on Front Street) between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday to Saturday. The performances will be held at the Ruth Seaton James Centre and at City Hall Theatre. Tickets are $45 for adults and $20 for students.