THE Bromsgrove Festival is now underway and "has got off to a flying start."

Last weekend saw this year's festival kick off with a Battle of the Bands competition in the Ryland Centre, New Road, on Friday April 22.

That was followed by a performance the next day of Cosi Fan Tutte, a comic opera by Mozart.

The story concerns the efforts of the wily Don Alfonso to prove that it is against woman's nature to be faithful in love.

The performance took place at the new Artrix building, in School Drive, and saw a good turnout.

A performance of Exaudi on Sunday April 24 at Dodford Parish Church saw tribute paid to Sir Michael Tippett, one of England's greatest composers.

Still to look forward to over the coming weeks is a talk titled 'Nelson's Purse', the story of Lord Nelson's lost treasure by Martyn Downer.

The talk is set to take place tonight at the new library lecture theatre at Bromsgrove School, Worcester Road.

This weekend will give townsfolk the chance to see The Piccadilly Dance Orchestra perform 'The Hollywood Party'.

The show at the Artrix on Saturday, April 30, will feature songs from the Hollywood musical era and is set to start at 7.45pm.

Free music and theatre will be on offer on Bank Holiday Monday (May 2) with an afternoon of entertainment in Sanders Park, off Kidderminster Road.

The day will feature the Holborne Brass Ensemble at 2.30pm and a taster of the All and Sundry performance of Pied Piper at 3pm.

The event will be moved to St John's Church, in Watt Close, if it rains heavily.

Next week will see the eagerly awaited performance of Emma Kirkby at the chapel at Grafton Manor, off Worcester Road.

The leading soprano and recording artist will sing to the music of lute player Jakob Lindberg at the sold out concert on Tuesday, May 2.

Festival organiser Mary White said: "The festival is going extremely well, the audiences have been very impressed with the new Artrix building and the choice of Cosi Fan Tutte to open the event.

"It has got off to a flying start."

For bookings and information call 01527 876504.