The Worcestershire-based Elgar Festival, set to return this May and June, has announced a pre-event performance.

Named 'Come and Play,' the event will take place on May 4 in Elgar's hometown of Worcester.

It aims to welcome amateur musicians from all over the UK for a day of rehearsals which will culminate in a performance of Elgar’s second Symphony.

The event is a joint venture organised by the Festival participants and The English Symphony Orchestra (ESO).

Coaching and encouragement will be given throughout the day by the ESO’s principal players.

The conductor of the event will be the ESO’s associate conductor, Michael Karcher-Young.

Kenneth Woods, artistic director of The Elgar Festival said: “The Elgar Festival’s new ‘Come and Play’ event is an opportunity for musicians of all ages to experience the joys and challenges of Elgar’s symphonic writing in an enjoyable and relaxed environment.

"We’re looking forward to amateur musicians and young musicians from all over the UK joining us for this exciting project.”

Participants are not required to have previous experience of the piece or to attend an audition, but the organisers recommend that applicants are grade seven+ or equivalent standard.

Mr Karcher-Young, said: "Elgar’s 2nd Symphony is one of the most profound symphonic statements of the 20th century.

"I’m really looking forward to exploring this amazing piece with all the participants.”

This year’s festival, which will run from Monday 27 May until Sunday 2 June, has been themed around 'The Origins of Inspiration'.

World-class musicians, artists, local choirs and ensembles will place the music of Elgar alongside that of his contemporaries and some of today’s leading composers and arrangers.

The Festival, which made its debut in 2018, was established by Worcester City Council and is traditionally held on the weekend closest to Elgar’s birthday, June 2.

Tickets for ‘Come and Play’ are priced at £25 for adults, inclusive of tea, coffee and cakes throughout the day; under 18’s are allowed free, when accompanied by an adult.

All places need to be booked via the festivals website.

The event will take place at St Martin’s Church, London Road, Worcester.