GUNNISLAKE is alive with music, art and fun after the village?s third annual festival got under way yesterday.

An open art exhibition in the Buccaneer Inn, and a professional art exhibition in the church hall are now open until Saturday, providing a showcase for the wealth of talent in the Tamar Valley.

There is a craft exhibition in the Orchard Studios, displaying some of the country?s finest needlework, and a local history exhibition in the public hall.

Music lovers have two live performances to choose from tonight (Thursday). Saltash Youth Band are appearing in the church, and Johnny Mac and Friends will provide the sounds at a barbecue at the Tavistock Hotel.

Anyone musically inclined is invited to take their instruments along and join in.

Tomorrow (Friday), the church will play host to an evening of folk song, while singer Michael Douglas entertains at the Cornish Inn. The Buccaneer is also hosting a party night.

Festival day itself will take place on Saturday with live music and dance in Gunnislake?s main car park from midday until 9pm.

Other attractions on Festival Day will include stalls of all kinds, Punch and Judy, a rodeo bull, face painting and refreshments.