The annual celebration of the county's most renowned composer has announced a range of events for this year's festival.

The Elgar Festival, celebrating the life and work of Sir Edward Elgar, will take place from Monday, May 27 to Sunday, June 2, and will feature a selection of inaugural events.

The festival has teamed up with the Morgan Sports Car Club and Malvern Hills District Council to be the end point for an iconic car rally around The Elgar Route.

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Scheduled to start from the Morgan Motor Factory at 10.30am on Tuesday, May 28, rally participants will arrive at Elgar's birthplace, The Firs in Worcester, for the final session of a conducting masterclass at 3.30pm.

The festival's featured composer, Steve Elcock, will share his experiences as a self-taught composer alongside festival director Kenneth Woods at The Firs at 1.30pm on Thursday, May 30.

Esther Abrami, an upcoming talent on the classical music scene and the festival's 2024 Artist in Residence, will perform at Huntingdon Hall, at 1pm on Friday, May 31.

Her programme features Vaughan Williams' 'The Lark Ascending', alongside a selection of Elgar miniatures.

Julian Lloyd Webber, internationally-acclaimed cellist and festival patron, will offer the audience a glimpse into his work with the Elgar Cello Concerto, on Sunday, June 2 at 11am at the Museum of Royal Worcester.

Artistic director of The Elgar Festival, Kenneth Woods said: "Our aim is to bring the music of Elgar to everyone; and what better way to do this than continue to introduce extra added value initiatives.

"We are delighted to announce these new additions and look forward to welcoming you all to what looks set to be our best ever festival yet."

Other highlights of the festival include the English Symphony Orchestra’s Gala Concert at Worcester Cathedral, and a series of late night Club Elgar concerts.

The Guildhall will feature an exhibition of Elgar memorabilia on loan from prestigious private collections.

Since its launch in 2018, the festival has doubled in dize, and has been lauded as 'Critic's Pick' in both The Guardian and The Times.

For full event details, costs, and booking information, please visit www.elgarfestival.org.

Tickets are now available.