All tickets to see the Staffordshire Hoard at Lichfield Cathedral have been snapped up four days before the exhibition opens, it emerged today.

It follows a huge demand to experience the Staffordshire Hoard on Tour exhibition which opens at the cathedral on Saturday.

Yesterday morning just 212 of the total 14,350 exhibition and tour tickets remained but by the afternoon the ‘sold out’ signs had gone up at the box office. Visitors who have been unable to secure tickets can still go along to enjoy a variety of events.

The exhibition, which runs until August 21, attracted 20,000 visitors to the Shire Hall in Stafford on the first phase of its summer tour.

Canon Pete Wilcox, Chancellor of Lichfield Cathedral, said: “Obviously it is incredible that the Lichfield leg of the tour is at full capacity and that over 14,000 visitors will be coming to the cathedral this summer.

“We are however keen to avoid any disappointment by announcing that the tour is at full capacity and speculative tickets will not be available on the day.

“The response has made it clear how very important the Mercian Trail is to the region and the Cathedral is very proud to be involved with the tour. We hope that visitors will be able to see the exhibition in Lichfield in the future”.

The Bookshop at 9, The Close, will be open daily throughout the exhibition and a selection of Staffordshire Hoard souvenirs will be available.

Music For The Hoard will be performed in the Cathedral in celebration of the event on several of the exhibition dates.

Free performances from local musicians will take place at 1pm for 35 minutes.

The Staffordshire Hoard On Tour exhibition will move on to Tamworth Castle from August 27 until September 18.