A BURIAL ground will ring to the sound of music as it celebrates its first anniversary.

The West Pennine Remembrance Park, Entwistle, is the unusual setting for a two-day concert of classical and brass band acts on September 7 and 8.

It marks a successful first year in business for the non-denominational cemetery which aims to provide people with an alternative to traditional burial or cremation.

The park was designed to be vibrant in contrast to conventional cemeteries, and is set in woodland filled with flowers, overlooking the Wayoh reservoir. Burial areas are laid in circles around trees or curved around footpaths.

They can be reserved for individuals or families, with room spare for urns or pets. Ashes can be scattered in areas chosen to match a person's personality.

Plots are bought on a 100-year lease, at the end of which the park will be allowed to return to natural woodland in a 'circle of life' concept in which life, growth and regeneration form a circle.

So far, many plots have been reserved. One woman from Canada, originally from the area, has bought one so her remains can be brought back to Lancashire after her death.

Other enquiries have also been received from around the country, while many plots have been sold to people from Blackburn, Darwen and Bolton.

The two-day concert features classical guitarist Robin Hill from midday to 3pm on the Saturday. He will perform music from the 1500s to the present day including pieces by Albeniz, Sor, Morel, Sanz, Bach and Galileo.

On the Sunday from 11.45pm to 12.15pm, the Blackburn Salvation Army will perform, followed by classical harpist Karen Roberts from 12.30pm to 3.30pm.

She will play a variety of music, from Bach and Beethoven, to Robbie Williams and Celine Dion.

A spokesman for the park said: "During the recitals, visitors are welcome to enjoy a guided tour of the park and its facilities, or simply sit and soak up the atmosphere in an area of outstanding natural beauty."