Tickets have sold out for two concerts at The Birmingham International Airport Elgar Festival 2004 and others are being snapped up fast.

Visitors from all over the world are expected for the event in Malvern on June 2 to 5, which is being run by the English Symphony Orchestra to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the death of the composer.

The Prince of Wales has agreed to be patron and Birmingham International Airport is the title sponsor of the festival, which it is hoped will be a bi-annual event.

The opening concert on Wednesday, June 2, a performance of Cockaigne Overture, Sea Pictures and Symphony No 1, has sold out, as has the concert the following night, In the South, Cello Concerto in E minor, Sursum Corda and Enigma Variations. Both take place at the Malvern Theatres.

William Boughton, artistic director of the English Symphony Orchestra who is internationally recognised for his interpretation of English music, said it was an encouraging response.

"I'm delighted with the way it's going," he said. "It's been in planning for two and a half years and is all coming together.

"Thousands of people have bought tickets and I think everything is on course."

The festival begins at 11am on Wednesday, June 2 - Elgar's birthday - with a talk by Cora Weaver on 'Elgar in Malvern' at St Wulstan's Church, Malvern Wells. This will be followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at Elgar's grave.

It continues with a series of talks, masterclasses and concert by the ESO and guest soloists, concluding with a performance of The Dream of Gerontius on Saturday, June 5, at Worcester Cathedral.

Details of the full programme are available from the box office at Malvern Theatres on 1684 892277 or at www. malvern-theatres.co.uk.

Running alongside the festival will be a community programme entitled 'Alive & Kicking'. Celebrating living composers of the area, this innovative project will involve ESO musicians, groups, schools and individuals of all ages from Malvern and Worcester.

Also taking place as part of the festival will be a mass kite flying session. Elgar is known to have been fond of flying kites and the event is being run by Great Malvern Association of Traders at Malvern Common on Saturday, June 6.

Association chairman Robin Elt said: "It's a splendid opportunity for would-be kite flyers aged eight to 88 to get involved, design and build their own kites.

"It's an ideal family project and one that will give much pleasure and a sense of achievement."

Information on kite making can be found on the internet at sites such as www.skratch-pad.com/kites.