CHELTENHAM'S Interna-tional Festival of Music is set to fill the town with a variety of sounds and scenes.

With an international reputation as one of the country's finest classical music events, the month-long festival will this year have a contemporary bias.

Ravel's colourful music features throughout the programme, including the popular Sheherazade, and the works of little-known 20th century Frenchman, Henri Dutilleux.

But it is not all modern. The Festival also features all six of Beethoven's Opus 18 string quartets and a one-off performance of Bach's St Matthew Passion will be performed at Gloucester Cathedral, masterminded by this year's Artist-in-Residence, cellist Steven Isserlis.

New music from around the world features in almost every concert with more than 30 premieres, including works by British composers Robin Holloway and Simon Holt.

The Festival's late night series, @22h, continues, taking music into pubs and restaurants in the town.

Cheltenham Festival is more than just music and the Festival Fringe compliments the main event.

There is the Picnic in the Park, the popular open-air celebration in Pittville Park tomorrow (June 30).

Each Saturday the Promenade and High Street become open-air stages for street performers and each weekend you can unwind at the Garden Bar Parties in Imperial Gardens, admire the open air art exhibition or join a circus workshop.

There will also be a Teddy Bears Picnic at Imperial Gardens on Saturday, July 14.

For a brochure call 01242 237377 or pay a visit to www.cheltenhamfestivals.co.uk.