A FANFARE from the world-famous Black Dyke Band on Sunday July 18 will launch King’s Lynn Festival’s 60th birthday party.

The two weeks of diamond jubilee celebrations will continue with a wide-ranging programme which has attracted interest from all over Britain.

“The popularity of the wide-ranging programme has been reflected in a very busy box office,” said administrator Joanne Mawson.

“Already three events are sell-outs and we expect a waiting list for tickets for many others by the time the festival begins.”

With five major orchestras, former BBC Young Musician cellist Guy Johnston, pianist Nikolai Demidenko and trumpeter Crispian Steele-Perkins plus the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, comedian Barry Cryer, and folk stars Norma Waterson and Martin Carthy there really is “something for everyone”.

An opera gala on July 25 will feature the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and soloists from Welsh National Opera.

King’s Lynn Festival Chorus will team up with the English Chamber Orchestra on Monday for a programme including works by Vaughan Williams, Handel and Mozart.

Trumpet virtuoso Crispian Steele-Perkins will lead The Handel Players in performances of well-loved baroque music in the splendid acoustic of St Nicholas’ Chapel on Tuesday.

At the literary dinner next Friday the speakers will be restaurateur and writer Prue Leith and William Shawcross, whose most recent book was the official biography of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother who was the Festival’s patron from its beginning until her death.

Friday Night is Music Night is being recorded on July 27, when Ken Bruce will introduce the BBC Concert Orchestra and soloists Jodie Prenger and Graham Bickley in a programme focusing on “the magic of the movies”.

The final concert will be given by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra conducted by Andris Nelsons, who has been described as the “new Simon Rattle”.

Call the box office on 01553-764864 or visit www.kingslynnfestival.org.uk