This year the Church Stretton & South Shropshire Arts Festival celebrates 49 years of presenting music, theatre and visual arts in the heart of the Shropshire Hills, beginning with a prestigious Gala Opening Concert on Saturday July 25 at Concord College by one of the most exciting and versatile British cellists of his generation, Guy Johnston. He will be joined by one of Europe’s foremost pianists, Russian-born Katya Apekisheva, with a programme of music by Brahms, Mendelssohn and Schumann.

The Festival is a true highlight of Shropshire’s summer calendar of events, and features professional concerts, organ recitals, coffee concerts given by local musicians and an Art and Crafts Exhibition being hosted at Church Stretton School. The exhibition features works by distinguished ceramicists Shannon Donovan and husband Andrew Eastwood who are the guest artists for this year’s Festival; and works by more than 100 local amateur and professional artists, photographers and designer craft-workers. Around 600 works of art, with original prints and 2D/3D craft, will be displayed alongside a comprehensive display of photographs. The exhibition will be open to the public 11am – 6pm, 7 days a week from Tuesday 28th July to Saturday 8th August, and with a Special Opening Event on Monday 27th July.

Roger Stokes, Festival Chairman said: “Each year we aim to create a festival that will have something for all tastes, and this year we have everything from classical and popular music, to stage shows, monologues and a magnificent Dance Orchestra. There’s even an appearance from Ultimate Elton and the Rocket Band!"

The Festival will see audiences treated to a variety of musical genres and arts events, including the dynamic and innovative Aquarelle Guitar Quartet and the Aurora Ensemble, one of Britain’s leading chamber music groups, accompanied by pianist Joanna Smith. Readings of Dylan Thomas’ short stories and poems by Guy Masterson promise a truly enchanting, award-winning show.

The second week of the Festival includes Heartbreak Productions presenting Jane Austen’s Emma, on August1; followed by violin duo Retorica - Harriet Mackenzie and Philippa Mo. With an extraordinarily similar singing voice to Sir Elton John’s, tribute artist Paul Bacon presents his wonderful celebration of Elton’s music on August 4.

Other music comes from pianist Michael Bochmann and the duo of award-winning saxophonist Huw Wiggin and renowned pianist James Sherlock return by popular demand.

My Dearest Girls: The Letters Book written and performed by Francesca Millican-Slater uses music, cabaret and music hall to tell the stories of six women across county, town and country as their friendships evolve, history happens and the war begins to draw to a close.

The Gala Finale of the Festival on Saturday, August 8 be a splendid evening for jazz fans, lovers of wonderful songs and plain nostalgia enthusiasts alike when the world-famous Piccadilly Dance Orchestra and their female vocalist provide some great entertainment and a spectacular performance.

Brochures available from Church Stretton Visitor Information Centre, or visit strettonfestival.org.uk. For tickets and festival details call Gloria Carter, on 01694 724106 or visit John R Thomas (florist) 3 Sandford Avenue. 01694 722194.