A newly-purchased manuscript will be on display at the Elgar Birthplace Museum when it reopens to the public on Monday.

The Smoking Cantata is a short piece the composer wrote as a novelty gift to a wealthy German friend, after staying at his country mansion and being told off for smoking on the stairs.

The manuscript, purchased with a grant from the Resource/V&A fund, is part of a range of new exhibits and events, organised by the museum to mark 70 years since the composer's death.

Recitals, musical workshops and exhibitions featuring local artists and photographers are among the extensive list of events taking place throughout the year, beginning with a lecture by Paul Spicer, on Elgar and his Musical Influences, on March 4.

Following a major extension in 2000, the museum in Lower Broadheath has expanded its range of facilities, which now include a comprehensive archive of manuscripts, information and recordings of Elgar's work.

Museum director Cathy Sloan said: "When I arrived seven years ago, the museum was just a cottage. It has developed so much since then and really reached its potential, but there is always more to see."

Staff at the museum are hoping to organise an event to rival the success of last year's Elgarthon, which received wide press and radio coverage.

"We're aiming for national appeal," said Ms Sloan. "The Elgarthon was such a success that we are hoping to repeat it this year."

However, despite the hopes and ambitions of staff at the centre, the museum needs volunteers to make these ideas a reality.

"A very small group of us run the museum, and because we don't receive funding, we rely on volunteers," said Mrs Sloan.

"We're always looking for people to help us with book-keeping, marketing and meeting the public.

"People love Elgar and are proud of him, he's a national institution. We should celebrate him."