TEN thrilling days of art, music, drama, dance and literary events are set to begin this Saturday, as Tavistock Music and Arts Festival 2010 begins.

The event is promising something for everyone, with participants ranging from the very young to the much more mature, from up-and-coming artistes to those of international renown.

The performances are spread across venues throughout Tavistock and its surrounding villages, and include churches, schools, theatre venues and in the open air.

The first big event of the festival is a performance of top jazz artist Mike Westbrook's Glad Day, which features the Big Noise student choir.

Glad Day, described by the Independent on Sunday as 'perhaps the greatest work in all British jazz', is being performed in St Eustachius Church on Saturday at 7.30pm.

Big Noise was formed in November last year by Clare Wesson, head of St Peter's and St Rumon's schools, and Sally Hubbard, head of transition at Tavistock College. The choir is made up of pupils aged 8 to 18 from schools throughout the area.

A spokesperson for Weir Quay Boatyard, which is supporting the concert, said: 'Many of the choir members had no previous musical experience, but having been led by innovative teacher Marion Wood, who is also a prize-winning conductor and the director of music at the University of Exeter, they are now confidently performing highly complex ensemble jazz pieces.

'The Glad Day event will be Big Noise's first high profile public performance and the choir is now very excited about performing with the Westbrooks and the live jazz ensemble in front of a large evening audience in St Eustachius Church.'

Each day during the festival, there will be lunchtime organ recitals at St Eustachius and Tavistock Methodist Churches and an art festival will also be running at the Westall Art and Design Centre at Kelly College.

Throughout next week, there are literary workshops and events taking place at Tavistock Library and the Wharf.

A festival supper and piano recital by Viktor Bijelovic is being staged at Kelly College next Friday and on Saturday, there is a gala concert by the Ten Tors Orchestra in Tavistock Parish Church.

The same night, but at the other end of the musical spectrum, 'Rock On' takes place at the Wharf. Bound to get the crowds on their feet, Mad Dog Macrea will be supported by up-and-coming Tavistock band Kitty and the Lost Boys.

During the day, Bedford Square will be the setting for an artists' market, plus musical entertainment and dancing.

The festival will wind up on Monday May 3 with a debate — Bach vs Mozart, to be chaired by Andrew Wilson in St Eustachius Church.

For more information about the festival events, many of which are free, pick up a programme from Tavistock Information Centre or the Times front office, or see http://www.tavistockmusic.co.uk">www.tavistockmusic.co.uk

Tickets for all events may be purchased, where applicable, from the Wharf box office on 01822 611166.