The Winchcombe Music and Arts Festival is an eight-day event that gives residents and visitors to the Gloucestershire town the chance to take in live music, workshops, visual arts and talks.

Peter Teague has lived in Winchcombe for over 30 years and was one of the people behind the original idea for the festival.

“The first Festival was in 2011 making this year its ninth,” he said.

“I was one of the three people who had the initial idea and am on the organising group, helping to plan the event programme and working on the publicity.”

This year will see the festival hosting over 40 events in venues around the town including The White Hart Inn, Abbey Fields Community Centre and the town’s churches.

The festival finishes on the Spring Bank Holiday with a lively street fair in the town centre, and Peter explains some of the other highlights.

He said: “We have an Art Trail that goes around town and a little way out, workshops – including many family-friendly ones like ukulele, family art and African drumming.

“And also talks on topics like gin making – and tasting! – gemstones, Jane Austen.

“There’s a great range of music from the return of popular local band the Apple Mashers to the festival début of Zoë Gilby who will be performing a wide range of songs from jazz standards to Kate Bush, and the Cirencester Philharmonia playing classical music from the likes of Mozart and Mendelssohn.”

The Winchcombe Music and Arts Festival runs from Monday 20th to Monday 27th May.

And Peter believes it’s the perfect way for locals to take in some culture while also promoting the town as a destination.

He added: “The Festival was designed to showcase local people as well as attract regional and national performers. It brings visitors to the town and benefits businesses.

“We keep prices low and about quarter of our events are free, including the coffee concert series.”

For more information on the Winchcombe Music and Arts Festival visit www.winchcombefestival.co.uk