THE Countess of Wessex has accepted an invitation to attend this year’s Farnham Festival, a four-day feast of young musical talent at the Farnham Maltings.

Taking place from March 19 to 22, the Farnham Festival is a non-competitive event offering a rich and diverse programme of six unique concerts. More than 1,200 local young people are expected to take part or attend this year, up from around 500 performers in 2017.

The festival’s principle objective is to give local young people aged five to 19, of all abilities and backgrounds, the opportunity to perform music written especially for them by contemporary composers.

It is organised by a committee of volunteers who have a wide depth of professional experience and who are committed to continuing the legacy of providing a festival of exciting and inspirational concerts and workshops.

The festival was inaugurated in 1961 by two local visionaries - Alan Fluck, the former head of music at Farnham Boys Grammar School and Raymond Krish, a local solicitor and arts patron. They both passionately believed music was central to education.

It relies solely on fundraising, sponsorship and community support to ensure sustainability and enables the provision of free tickets to those 16 and under and £5 to all those over 16.

Two new commissions, ‘More Four’ by William Goodchild and ‘Time For Change’ by Melanie Thorne will be premiered at the festival this year. For more information and the full programme visit the website www.farnhamfestival.org.uk or email farnhamfesti

Tickets for all events are also available from the Maltings box office – online at farnhammaltings.com. Tickets for those 16 and under are free (booking still required) and £5 for those 17 years and over.