WELLS will be welcoming several international youth ensembles to perform a number of free concerts around the city at the inaugural WOWFest: Wells Orchestral Weekend in July.

The festival aims to complement the rich cultural heritage of Wells with new opportunities for international young musicians and by bringing quality orchestral music to the residents of Wells.

The festival will open with a ceremony at the Cathedral. It will include a short introduction from patron Charles Hazlewood and a joint performance of the March from Arthur Bliss's orchestral suite Things to Come. The music tells the story of Bliss's vision of the lead up to the Second World War, and the performance will feature some of the finest young musicians from the UK and Germany perform together in harmony.

WOWFest is also collaborating with the Diocese of Bath and Wells to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Zambia Link. Musicians will perform during the Cathedral service at 2.30pm, followed by a procession led by the Royal Artillery Band to The Bishop's Palace, where there will be further picnic concerts on the lawns.

Events held by the festival include a free presentation of life as a military musician by the Royal Artillery Band, a free family-friendly string concert where ensembles from Germany and Malaysia will perform music suitable for all ages and a celebratory closing ceremony filled with film music.

Local ensembles – The Blue School String Orchestra and Priddy and St Lawrence School Choir – have been invited to perform alongside the international ensembles.

This will give local school children the opportunity to experience new cultures and make international friends, inspiring another generation of musicians.

To find out more, visit www.wellsyouthmusicfest.co.uk

WOWFEST SCHEDULE

July 12

• 7.30pm: Opening Gala, National Schools Symphony Orchestra and Violinissimo, Wells Cathedral, free entry.

July 13

• 4pm: Family-Friendly String Concert, Violinissimo, Stringendo and British International School Kuala Lumpur String Orchestra, Cedars Hall, free entry.

July 14

• 12pm: String Concert, Violinissimo, The Bishop's Palace, entry to the Palace and Gardens applies.

• 1.30pm: Presentation for students, Royal Artillery Band, Cedars Hall, free entry.

• 3.40pm: Procession from Cathedral Green to Bishop's Palace, Royal Artillery Band in collaboration with Bath and Wells Diocese Zambia Link 40th anniversary celebrations.

• 4.45pm and 5.30pm: Picnic Concerts, Stringendo and BIS Kuala Lumpur ensembles, Bishop's Palace, free entry after 4pm for concert-goers.

July 15

• 10am: Closing ceremony, Stringendo and BIS Kuala Lumpur Senior Orchestra, Priddy and St Lawrence School Choirs, Blue School String Group, Town Hall, free entry.Reserve places by emailing: [email protected]