THE SOUNDS of big band, classical and rock will be heard for miles around when Whiteford Music Festival returns for its tenth anniversary in July.

The spectacular open air concert weekend near Stoke Climsland has raised in the region of £80,000 for the parish church over the last decade. And this year it will be bowing out as an annual event, but will be back in 2012.

This hugely successful event, which won a national competition to find the most innovative church fundraising idea in 2007, has attracted people from a wide area, the picturesque setting providing a wonderful backdrop to the musical entertainment.

Owner of Whiteford David Short, who is also a member of the organising committee, said the weekend would have the usual format with big band on the Friday night, a celebration of British music with a Last Night of the Proms-style evening on the Saturday and the Sunday chill-out for families.

He said: 'It's going to be a stunning year — we have ordered the sun and we want as many people as possible to come along and enjoy our anniversary weekend.

'This year we will have a girls' choir for the first time, from St Joseph's School in Launceston, and a twelve and a half minute recreation of the Battle of Trafalgar with fireworks.'

Top UK vocalist Bobby Kemp will be performing numbers from the swing era up to present day on the Friday and there will be a bar and barbecue.

Internationally s soloist Darren Jeffery will be performing with the girls' choir and the Radio Light Orchestra on Saturday.

Sunday sees the return of Mad Dog McRea and there will be circus skills for the children.

Entry is free to under 11s.

For more information and booking call 01579 370559.

Tickets are also available from Stoke Climsland Post Office.