THERE will be plenty to spark a seasonal spring to the step in Tavistock later this month, as the town's annual music and arts festival lifts off.

Starting on Saturday, March 26 and running for an impressive six weeks, the calendar of events will culminate on the national bank holiday — Monday, May 2.

Founded in 2003 by its chairman, Christopher Kirwin, the festival is now in its ninth year. This year is set to be even bigger and better with a diary of activities which it is hoped will be a boost to Tavistock's economy.

Mr Kirwin said: 'I have a long-standing interest in the arts having been involved closely with the music and drama at Kelly College.'

He is certain that the acts chosen for this year's festival will provide interest for everyone attending —young, old, visitor or resident, families or individuals.

Mr Kirwin said: 'We decided to hold it across six weeks to accommodate a slightly unusual year with extra bank holidays. We feel it will be more efficient and economically viable.'

He said businesses in the area would benefit from a prolonged influx of visitors and would hopefully enjoy extra visitors through their doors.

Mr Kirwin said that a common theme through this year's activities was the festival art trail — which acts as an 'open-house' for more than 15 galleries and cafés who will open their doors to spectators during the quieter periods of the festival.

He said: 'Businesses will benefit from the constant stream of the festival art trail.'

The diary kicks off on Saturday, March 26 with St Eustachius's Church choir concert rehearsal at 9.30am, leading up to the formal opening of the festival at midday.

Highlights of the festival include an evening of exquisite string playing by The Dante Quartet on Monday, March 28 at 7.30pm at Tavistock Methodist Church — a group whose latest CD has attracted rave reviews. Thursday, April 7 offers a festival folk supper at Tavistock's Terrace Restaurant - an evening of haunting folk compositions with a contemporary edge and a two-course dinner to accompany the evening's entertainment.

There will be a number of lectures throughout the festival including one by Dr Ann Pulsford who will speak on 'Great Women in Science' at the Wharf Arts Centre on April 11. The celebrations will culminate on May Day with a family-friendly selection of activities and a children's tea.

Mr Kirwin said: 'The day will include the dawn chorus at 5.15am followed by a breakfast at the Wharf — it's going to be a real children's day.'

Mr Kirwin said the evening celebrations would recognise — in true party style —everyone who had contributed to the festival's success.

Mr Kirwin said the festival would provide both entertainment and education, with opportunities for children and school pupils to sing with a large choir in front of an even larger audience.

Competitions have been organised, with one essay competition receiving an amazing number of entries and attracting some entrants from Belgium.

For event tickets, contact the Wharf on 01822 611166 or [email protected]">[email protected] or visit the event website at http://www.tavistockmusic.co.uk">www.tavistockmusic.co.uk