A FESTIVAL celebrating classical music is returning to North Somerset.

The Somerset International Festival of the Arts is an annual celebration of classical music and the arts which brings together leading international chamber musicians and performers.

Based in the intimate and beautiful setting of St Andrew's Church in Backwell, our festival aims to celebrate exceptional music making, and nurture music education through partnership programmes with schools and the local community.

(Image: Somerset International Festival of Arts)

A spokesperson said: “Somerset is rich with musicians and artists of the highest calibre, many of whom perform nationally and internationally with some of the country’s leading orchestras and ensembles.

“We are fortunate to have a partnership with the Bristol Ensemble, the South West’s leading chamber orchestra as our ensemble-in-residence.

“Our 2024 festival will take place between the 4 and 6 of October, presenting a series of events including concerts, workshops and talks.

“The festival opens with an enchanting Glories of the Baroque by Candlelight featuring some of the finest pieces from the era on Friday, October 4.

“Then there will be a fun-filled family workshop - Music for Miniatures: A Musical Circus on Saturday, October 5, a unique evening performance of the Beatles greatest hits with a live orchestra on Saturday, October 5.

“A chamber music lunchtime concert of the great masterpiece: Schubert's String Quintet will take place on Sunday, October 6, and our festival finale with the music of Ludovico Einaudi alongside Max Richter's mesmerising re-imagining of Vivaldi's Four Seasons on Sunday, October 6, and much more.

“Something for everyone.”

Tickets are now on sale for all our events: www.somersetfestivalarts.co.uk/2024-festival