By tradition the long established Leamington Music Festival over the May Bank Holiday weekend is, for many, the beginning of the summer music festival season.

Hosted at the Pump Rooms, the Vaughan Williams celebration will include many of the composer's best known and favourite works.

Of course, these include his folk song arrangement of "On Wenlock Edge" with tenor James Gilchrist renewing his Leamington links, "The Wasps Overture", "The Lark Ascending" and his "String Quartet No 1 in G Minor" to be played by Sacconi Quartet at the opening concert on Thursday evening.

The event will be opened officially by Matt Western MP, with the Sacconi concert starting at 7.30pm.

From Friday morning until Monday, the weekend will be packed with at least two, sometimes three or four events each day including relevant talks, Warwickshire Music Student's showcase, organ recitals and an art exhibition by resident artist, Jane Williams.

There is something for everyone.

My chosen daily highlights will be the Leonore Piano Trio at lunchtime on Friday 29, Sinfonia of Birmingham at All Saints ' Church on Saturday evening, Emma Johnson, Raphael Wallfisch and John Lenehan on Sunday evening, 1 May and local favourite Roderick Williams at lunchtime on Monday the Bank Holiday 2 May.

Tickets for all events are on sale at the Visitors Information Centre at the Royal Pump Rooms or online here.

Download our Mobile App!

This event never fails to excite the many who return year after year - it is not to be missed.

(Image by David Dixon via geograph.org)