WINCHCOMBE is to play host to its first-ever festival of music and arts next year. A packed programme of events ranging from workshops and recitals to concerts, exhibitions and dances is being put together for the six-day extravaganza in May.

The festival is the brainchild of the Winchcombe Business Forum and its chairman Roger Paine, himself a musician, is now heading the new Winchcombe Festival of Music and Arts committee.

He has set up a festival-organising committee of 10 people, including professionals in the arts and music world.

He says the aim of the week-long event is to showcase the work of professionals and amateurs in Winchcombe and bring live entertainment and arts activities to the town.

Roger said: “This will be a significant event for the community that will entertain and inspire both residents and visitors alike. There is a wealth of musical and artistic talent in the town that spans many genres from painters and poets, to sculptors, singers, musicians and dancers.”

The festival starts on Wednesday, May 25, and ends with a Bank Holiday Monday street fair on May 30.

A selection of venues around the town will act as festival ‘halls’, including Sudeley Castle, the Guide Hall, Winchcombe School, the Cotswold Christian Centre, St Peter’s Church and the library. A number of pubs, restaurants, tea rooms and businesses in the town will also host events.

A new website, winchcombe.co.uk/ festival-of-music-and-arts will provide details about the plans as they unfold.

Roger, currently musical director of the successful Evesham Festival of Music, said: “There is a lot of work going into organising the festival.

“It is going to be a really exciting week and we hope the people of Winchcombe and beyond will lend their support to the many events taking place.”

Anyone keen to take part or assist in running the festival should e-mail Roger on roger.paine@btinternet. com.