The dedicated team behind the annual Corsham Festival is pulling together the last strands of the event in preparation for its launch on Saturday.

This will be the eighth festival in its current form since creative director Nicholas Keyworth and his colleagues took over in 2000.

They are linked by their passion for the arts, music, dance, and theatre and have created a festival in Corsham that is respected worldwide for bringing together a contemporary mix of performers.

Foremost in Mr Keyworth's mind is the importance of the festival in the hearts of the people of Corsham and he is dedicated to making it theirs.

A violinist, pianist, conductor and composer, the 46-year-old from Corsham is hugely excited about this year's festival.

Sitting in the festival office at 78 High Street, Corsham, Mr Keyworth is surrounded by boxes full of applications from artists. He has combed through the lot to pick the best.

He said: "This year we have concentrated on a number of themes including children and the family. We have author Cat Weatherill reading her novel Barkbelly at Corsham Library on June 24 and Keys 4 Kids on June 30 at Corsham Town Hall where every member of the family is encouraged to bring their own instrument and join in.

"We want people to participate as much as possible and events like the day-long rehearsal with CoMA on June 24 at the Town Hall will offer singers and musicians the chance to be part of the production. Renowned composer Michael Nyman has written a special piece for us.

"Corsham Primary School pupils have been rehearsing for their parts in an opera being performed at the Town Hall on June 27.

"We demand quality and this draws artists from around the world. Fran Bartlett with Ana Eulate, an extraordinary solo dancer and cellist, both from Barcelona, promise to give a beautiful performance and we also have an Austrian duet, Nota Bene, who can be seen at St Bartholomew's Church in Corsham on June 29 during one of our lunchtime events."

Corsham's eight-day celebration of the arts runs from Saturday June 23 to Saturday June 30.

Under 18-year-olds get in free and tickets for the events are still available. Call the box office on (01249) 701628 or visit www.corshamfestival.org.uk