A MUSICAL extravaganza looks set to take the Ribble Valley by storm as the annual Ribchester Music Festival gets under way next week.

A programme of events featuring international musicians and local celebrities comes under the conductor's baton at historic St Wilfrid's Church from July 4.

Highlights include a celebrity recital featuring cellist Lowri Blake and a concert by the Royal Northern College of Music String Orchestra, with soprano Mary Louise Aitken, in a programme of works by Vaughan Williams, Finzi, Tippet and Elgar. The orchestra recently enjoyed success at London's Barbican and has been featured on BBC Radio 3.

There will also be a silent film show with piano improvisation and chamber concerts featuring the Nossek Quartet, the Bridgewater Piano Trio and the Goldberg Orchestra.

Pendle Jazz Men and the Tippet Choir will take to the stage for those who fancy the strains of something different.

The festival was launched by the former vicar of St Wilfrid's, the Rev Andrew Hindley.

An enthusiastic band of organisers continued the good work after he took up a post as Canon Sacrist at Blackburn Cathedral.

Now in its fifth year, the festival draws music enthusiasts from across the country.

It follows hot on the heels of the hugely-successful Ribble Valley International Piano Week and the Clitheroe Folk Festival.

For more details, or to book, phone the festival box office on 01254 878881.

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