MUSICIANS and artists from across the country have been rehearsing and putting the finishing touches to their work, in preparation for the start of Tavistock's annual music and arts festival tomorrow (Friday).

The popular festival brings hundreds of visitors to town every year and this year's festival will see it playing host to acts such as Mad Dog Mcrea and the Dante Quartet.

This is the tenth anniversary of the Tavistock Music and Arts Festival which will run from tomorrow until May 6 and which also welcomes former BBC presenter, Adam Hart-Davis as its new president.

Festival chairman Christopher Kirwin said: 'The festival draws in people from all over Devon and Cornwall who not only get to experience the diverse range of performances but also the many delights that Tavistock has to offer.

'Local people should feel very proud to have hosted a festival like this for more than ten years and embrace the diverse programme we have put together again this year. As well as the popular headline acts we have organised an array of jazz suppers, talks and recitals that cater for all tastes and age groups.'

Ahead of the Music and Arts Festival, a private viewing of artist Rosalind Pierson's miniatures, was held at The Terrace Restaurant in Tavistock on Sunday.

Rosalind exhibited some of her pictures and other work illustrating the world of miniatures. Rosalind has been a professional artist for more than 30 years, specialising in water-colour landscape miniatures, and in particular Dartmoor and the Devon countryside.

Last year she received the highest award in the world of miniature art — the Gold Memorial Bowl. Rosalind is a member of the Miniature Art Society of Florida, Miniature Artists of America and co-founder of the Hilliard Society of Miniaturists. Later this year she will be formally elected as president of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers.

Rosalind's work will be on display at The Terrace until the weekend of April 27.

Full details of this year's Music and Arts Festival line-up can be found in the free festival brochure.

Copies are available from the Wharf or online at http://www.tavistockmusic.co.uk">www.tavistockmusic.co.uk

Festival tickets can be booked by contacting 01822 611166.