AN array of top international acts will perform at one of the region's leading cultural events, it has been confirmed.The 18th Bury St Edmunds Festival was officially launched during a champagne buffet at the town's Angel Hotel last night.
AN array of top international acts will perform at one of the region's leading cultural events, it has been confirmed.
The 18th Bury St Edmunds Festival was officially launched during a champagne buffet at the town's Angel Hotel last night.
It was the first time for people to see the line-up for the 17-day festival in May.
This year the EADT sponsored event offers a diverse line-up of entertainment, ranging from contemporary and classical outdoor concerts in the famous Abbey Gardens to themed walks and works shops.
Some of the leading names in jazz, dance, theatre, poetry and comedy will be taking part in the festival, which is regarded as among the finest in the region.
The event starts on Friday, May 9, with a spectacular opening ceremony including a beating of the retreat by the Band of the Royal Marines on Angel Hill and a giant puppet parade around the town centre.
One of the event highlights will be a performance by the Budapest Symphony Orchestra, which will be making its festival debut on May 13. Just four days later the City of London Sinfonia will be performing with the Festival Chorus.
National champions the Williams Fairey Brass Band will be appearing on May 10 and former Young Musician of the Year clarinettists Emma Johnson will be performing on May 11.
Smiles will be raised by best of the Fat Cat Comdey Club, also on May 11 and a Beatles and Rolling Stones Tribute Night will be held on May 23.
The event will finish on May 25, with a spectacular jazz firework finale in the Abbey Gardens.
Event organiser Nick Wells, said: "We are really looking forward to this years event, there is something for everyone from classical music to tribute bands.
"People are excited by the line-up because it is very diverse and has lots of different elements. We won an award last year for a contribution to new music which helped raise our national profile, and I am confident that profile will keep developing."
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