BROCHURES for the fourth Beccles Music Festival are now available. The Festival will take place in the town September 17-26 with a great line up of classical and jazz concerts and other exciting events.

BROCHURES for the fourth Beccles Music Festival are now available.

The Festival will take place in the town September 17-26 with a great line up of classical and jazz concerts and other exciting events.

The festival programme includes The London Mozart Players with conductor Elgar Howarth, clarinettist Emma Johnson, a performance of Handel's Messiah with the Beccles Festival Chorus, The Jasper Smith Quintet with Ray Simmons, The Oxford Concert Party, violinist Natalie Beauchamp, an evening of Gilbert and Sullivan, and jazz singer Clare Teal.

There is also the festival's first spoken word event with a visit from poet Ian McMillan.

Everyone can become a festival performer by joining the Beccles Festival chorus for a series of singing days and rehearsals led by Vetta Wise to prepare for the Messiah performance.

String, wind or brass instrumentalists can also enjoy a London Mozart Players play day and form the first Beccles Festival Orchestra.

The Oxford Concert Party, which brings new life to a whole variety of music from Baroque to tango, will also be leading a schools music project for local primary school children.

“This year we have developed what the festival offers,” said the Rev John Beauchamp, festival director.

“As well as high quality performances there is more chance for you to make music by joining the Festival Chorus or the Festival Orchestra. With our schools music project local children will also be given a unique musical experience as well. We are also thrilled to welcome poet Ian McMillan, well known from radio and TV, who will perform his show Talking Myself Home.

You can pick up a brochure from Beccles Library, St Michael's Church or Beccles Tourist Information or call 01502 712362/712317.

Alternatively e-mail your name and address to boxoffice@becclesfestival.co.uk to order your copy.