THE village of Stogumber will be transformed into a hive of music and dance this weekend.

The annual Stogumber Festival gets under way on Friday with a programme designed to appeal to fans of music from across the spectrum.

It takes place at St Mary’s Church and Village Centre and throughout the village, with performances taking place from 11am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

A spokesman for the event said: “Stogumber Festival is a celebration of the performing arts. For a few days in September each year this quiet West Somerset village is transformed into a centre for musical and other events.

“Each year’s Festival programme is designed to appeal to audiences both local and from the wider community by providing a mix of international and local artists, and a range of music styles – classical (in its broadest sense), jazz and folk.”

“The artists we invite to take part are all extremely talented people. We are responding to local demand for major international musicians to perform in an area that provides few opportunities to hear world-class music.

“And we encourage and support talented young local artists at the start of their careers by giving them a platform alongside these more experienced musicians.”

Venues hosting shows include the church for formal concerts, the smaller venue of the village hall for music-accompanied lunches and informal events, and the pub’s skittle alley for late evening free concerts, as well as the village square for outdoor performances, bar and teas.

For the latest information on all artists and events log on to www.stogumberfestival.com or Facebook/StogumberFestival.