FOUR days of top classical, jazz and folk music – including BBC Proms performers – are on offer at the Stogumber Festival from today (Thursday) until September 7.

Headline acts include Clare Teal, one of Britain’s best-known jazz singers and presenter of BBC Radio 2’s swing and big band. Internationallyacclaimed Roderick Williams will be performing a programme of songs, written in commemoration of the First World War.

Other concerts include folk singer/songwriter Ange Hardy, the current FATEA magazine Female Vocalist of the Year, leading organ recitalist Philip Scriven, the Jubilee Quartet, the Gypsy Fire Quartet and Taunton’s own acoustic guitar phenomenon, Darren Hodge.

Chairman of the festival committee, Lance Moir, said: “We are thrilled to have been able to attract such a wide-ranging line-up of exceptional talent to perform in Stogumber.

“Apart from the ticketed concerts, there are also more than a dozen free events for everyone to enjoy.

“Amongst these will be a flamenco dance troupe, clog dancers, Morris men, an art exhibition, a storyteller and the Choir of the Lord Mayor’s Chapel, Bristol.

“Indeed, on the Saturday afternoon alone, there are three hours of free entertainment in the village square.”

For more information about the Stogumber Festival, visit the Stogumber Festival website or call the enquiry line on 084553- 90168.

An extensive, free village car park will be available for all visitors throughout the festival.