A MUSICIAN who started to learn the harp when she was five years old is one of the performers helping to open this year's Ribchester Festival.

Lucy Wakeford, from Surrey, is a former runner-up in the string section of the BBC Young Musicians competition and will join with flautist Susan Thomas.

They will play works by Bach, Francaix and Ravel on opening night on Wednesday, June 28 in a late night concert at St Wilfrid's Church.

Cellist Alice Neary and pianist Gretel Dowdeswell will play Mendelssohn, Schubert, Brahms and 19th century English composer Joseph Holbrooke on Thursday, June 29.

Festival administrator Kate Hodkinson said tickets are selling well for the children's concert on Saturday July 1, featuring the English Symphony Orchestra and former Blue Peter presenter John Leslie, which boasts the first performance of the festival's specially commissioned work The First Dragon.

There will also be two children's dance days, led by Ludus Dance Company.

All events take place at St Wilfrid's Church. Details from the box office on 01254 878881.