STRATFORD English Music Festival director Richard Phillips may not be one to blow his own trumpet but he is definitely one to blow his own trombone, especially about the superb music lined up for this year's event, which starts next month.

The festival, which runs from October 12 -21 across the district including Stratford, Shipston, Hampton Lucy and Alcester, has received a great deal of support from local businesses.

Richard said: "Along with other festivals, such as Edinburgh, we rely on the generous support of our corporate sponsors, without whom we would not be able to put together such an ambitious and exciting programme.

This year's sponsors include: jewellers George Pragnell, Lodders solicitors, Allen Seddon Partnership, HL Barnes & Son, Bigwood Chartered Surveyors, Color Estates Development and Investment Company, Sheldon Bosley Chartered Surveyors, Countrywide Property Management, Druckers, the Shakespeare Hotel and estate agents Peter Clarke & Co.

Programme details and tickets for the English Music Festival are available on 01926 496277.