Oakham Festival kicks off this weekend
Ghost stories, classical musicians and dancers will all feature in the programme for this year's Oakham Festival.
Organisers Debbie Oakes and Carolyn Acton-Reed have brought the event back from the brink and are looking forward to it kicking off this weekend.
The festival had faced the axe when its former committee members stepped down at the start of the year.
New chairman Debbie, a former events planner, said: "We've worked flat out to pull it all together but it's really exciting and I'm pleased with the programme.
"We're delighted with the support we've had and are already putting plans in place for next year."
The festival kicks off on Sunday (June 23) with have-a-go archery sessions and fortune telling by Red Fox Historical Events in Cutts Close.
Music features heavily in this year's programme with many local artists stepping into the limelight, including soprano Katie Marshall who will perform at All Saints' Church on Monday evening with Jackie Morrison and Aleksandra Myslek.
Funked Up, The Houndogs, Take 4 Saxophone Quartet, McGoo, Oakham School Chamber Choir and Uppingham Jazz and Soul Band will also appear throughout the week.
One of the new events for this year is a ghost walk around Oakham.
Anyone brave enough to take part will meet at the Buttercross on Monday evening for an hour-long walk to meet a number of long-dead characters and hear their stories.
The spooktacular continues on Tuesday with an evening of ghost stories at the Mill Street Bar and Kitchen.
Pre-booking is essential for these new events as they are expected to sell out.
Beer drinkers will be spoilt for choice as Rutland Camra hosts its beer festival and annual trail between June 27 and 30 while The Grainstore Brewery Tap hosts a new Alehouse Rocks event.
Oakham company DG Music is providing a range of live music at the brewery throughout the weekend.
A showcase by Rutland Youth Dance Academy, a lindy hop dance, Proms in the Park and a car boot sale complete this year's event.
Full details of all events are listed at www.oakhamfestival.co.uk
Tickets are available online at www.wegottickets.com or from the box office at Snapdragon and Brew and Roast Company in Oakham.
