THE stage is set for the first Chipping Campden Music Festival which takes place from Sunday, June 23, to Saturday, June 29, with a series of concerts in St James' Church.

"It is the realisation of an idea I have had for some years," explained Charlie Bennett. "With its wealth of history, fine architecture and excellent hotels, restaurants and shops to visit, there can be no finer town to host a festival than Chipping Campden.

"Add to this the magnificent setting and acoustics of St James' Church and we have perhaps the perfect venue."

He said the philosophy behind the festival was firstly to bring to Campden musicians of the highest calibre to perform in the marvellous surrounds, and secondly to provide an opportunity for children and young adults to take part.

Local school children will be given a chance to perform along the outstanding musicians from the world famous Kodaly School in Kecskemet, Hungary, and, through lunchtime concerts, a platform will be provided for advanced music students from the top colleges.

Midland Sinfonia start the week on Sunday, June 23 (3pm), and weeknight concerts (7.30pm) include The Medici String Quartet (Monday), Fiona Kimm and Ingrid Surgenor in A Woman's Life and Love (Tuesday), Richard Meyrick piano recital (Wednesday), the Aurin Choir from the Kodaly School Thursday and the Bach St John Passion with Musica Donum Dei, guest soloists, the Aurin Choir and local singers (Saturday).

Contact Leila King 01386 840207.