A FANTASTIC firework display will follow the first-ever performance of the Band of the Irish Guards at this year's Bromsgrove Festival, writes Emily Bridgewater.

Townsfolk can look forward to this, along with performances from a jazz legend, internationally renowned classical artists and a comedy revival, at this year's varied and jam-packed programme.

Festival chairman Mary White said: "When organising this year's event I have tried to make it as interesting and as varied as possible. It is very exciting and I am really looking forward to it."

The festival kicks off on Saturday, April 26, with A Night in Vienna at the Spadesbourne Suite in Burcot Lane. Residents can look forward to an evening of captivating music from Strauss to the Sound of Music. BBC Radio Two's leading disc jockey David Jacobs will provide narration for the evening, which starts at 7.45pm.

On Monday, April 28, The Band of the Irish Guards will be putting on a free show at Bromsgrove Rover's ground in Birmingham Road. It will start at 7.15pm.

"We hope this will attract all the family and we are asking people to bring folding chairs and rugs with them," said Mary.

The band's most regular duty is to play for the changing of the Queen's Guard at Buckingham Palace and although they have toured the world, this is their first time in Bromsgrove.

The New Guesten Hall is the venue for the next event on the programme on Tuesday, April 29, when husband and wife partnership Fiona and John York perform a classical duet on the piano.

The audience at the Stoke Heath hall are guaranteed an evening of surprises. The show starts at 7.45pm.

A wartime comedy genius will be brought back to life in The Best of Joyce Grenfell at the New Guesten Hall on Wednesday, April 30.

Tribute

From 3pm onwards, townsfolk can enjoy a revival of the original funny gal in a tribute by Maria Gibbs and Andrew D Brewis.

On May 2, supreme saxophonist Amy Dickson, who won the 2002 Bromsgrove Festival International Young Musicians' Platform, will be returning to wow audiences at the New Guesten Hall. The show will start at 8.15pm.

Talent of the future will be on show at the final of the Young Musician's Platform at the New Guesten Hall on May 4, from 7pm. Heats will be held on May 1, 2 and 3 between 10am and 6pm and on May 4 between 10am and 4pm.

A musical gem follows on May 6 when The Barkham Harp Quartet plays in the picturesque venue of St Mary's Church in Dodford. The concert will start at 7.45pm.

"This promises to be something really quite special," commented Mary.

Grafton Manor Chapel will be filled with the music of Bach and his son on May 8 with a performance from violinist Jacqueline Ross and harpsichordist David Ponsford. The show starts at 7.45pm.

Jazz favourite Acker Bilk and his Paramount Jazz Band will be returning to Bromsgrove after almost 20 years. The popular musician will be a step back in time for many of the audience at the Spadesbourne Suite on May 9, from 7.45pm. "He came to Bromsgrove during the 80's and we are really glad to be able to welcome Acker Bilk back," said Mary.

The festival is rounded-off with a performance by the City of London Sinfonia at St John's Church, Bromsgrove, on May 10. It will start at 7.45pm and includes a rare performance from 13-year-old violinist Jennifer Pike, who was the youngest ever winner of the Young Musician of the Year Award in 2002. Tickets for all the events are available from the Bromsgrove Festival Booking Office at the Bromsgrove Museum in Birmingham Road. Alternatively you can call 01527 876504.