New works, innovative music and world class performers, with some challenging opportunities to participate are all part of this year's Corsham Festival which runs from June 23 to 30.

The festival opens with a concert by the Orchestra of the Swan embracing music from the baroque to the 21st century.

The Smith Quartet will be making their festival debut with harpsichordist Jane Chapman who perform work by Michael Nyman and a new work by Andrew Poppy, commissioned by the festival.

Later in the festival Jane Chapman leads one of several Keynote concert workshops for children. Take along your own simple instrument and join in.

On the second day of the festival there is an all day workshop for musicians of all ages and abilities , all is needed is enthusiasm. London ensemble CoMA will lead the workshop, rehearsing music by Stephen Montague and Michael Nyman, culminating in a concert in the evening.

Guitarist extraordinary Richard Durrant entertains in a lunchtime concert. His nickname is The Guitar Whisperer and the range of his instrumental brilliance is astonishing, combined with a great ability to communicate with his audience.

Stringfever are three brothers and a cousin who play a range of electric stringed instruments in a highly entertaining family show. They play Ravel's Bolero with all four guys on one cello.

Cellist Fran Bartlett and dancer Ana Eulate explore Spanish and English cultures in a unique partnership.

Hartham Church in Hartham Park, which was used for the first time during last year's festival, is the setting for soprano Sarah Leonard with Robin Michael on cello.

The music of Bob Dylan will be celebrated by Barb Jungr.

Broadcaster Jenni Mills will be talking about her first novel a thriller called Crow Stone and the charismatic history man Dr Mark Horton of BBC's Coast series, will deliver a lunchtime lecture marking the 300th anniversary of the Act of Union.

In the streets around the town there will be eccentric theatre and paper sculptures and the ActNow Youth theatre will provide a murder mystery in the park on the final day.

True to its reputation for innovation and eclectic taste the festival has something for everyone.

More details are available at the festival office at 78 High Street, Corsham, SN13 0HF, (01249) 701628. There are also details at www.cor shamfestival.org.uk