A BIRTHDAY bash was held in Worcester in honour of one of the world's greatest composers.

The Elgar School of Music organised the bash to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's birth.

The party, held at Saffrons, New Street, on Friday, also launched a festival of events to mark the occasion that will run until the summer.

Talks on the Austrian composer's early years, his connections with Britain and the great works from his life will be held, along with a series of professional chamber music concerts from the school's staff and many other events and workshops until June 24.

The festival will end with a concert held in

Worcester Cathedral featuring the Elgar Chorale and Camerata including the Symphony No 40 and the Requiem.