An impressive and diverse programme will see a truly international spirit captivating audiences at the popular summer event which runs from Friday, May 30 until Saturday, June 7.

For the first time the festival will begin on a Friday to allow for a wider spread of concerts and activities, most of which are staged at the Coronation Hall in Ulverston.

Opening the event on May 30 will be special guest clarinettist Emma Johnson, who played at the very first festival. Fittingly, she will be accompanied by festival founder and highly talented concert pianist Anthony Hewitt.

"I am delighted Emma has asked me to perform with her in what is a very varied programme of traditional favourites alongside some lighter numbers," said Anthony.

And – another first – this year's festival will see a second solo piano recital. Renowned pianist Philippe Cassard, hailed as 'world class' and renowned for his Schubert recordings, will perform on June 3. The programme will include pieces by Schubert, Liszt and Debussy.

Violinist Karen Gomyo, who has played with the top five orchestras in the US, and BBC New Generation cellist Christian Poltera, will take to the stage on June 5 for an evening of chamber music with Zvi Carmelli (viola) and Anthony (piano).

"Performing chamber music is a very intimate and satisfying experience and to do so with friends strengthens the bonds both with them and the music," said Anthony, who added the programme would include pieces by Beethoven, Fauré and Dvorak.

Providing a complete contrast and change in tempo, the festival welcomes the incredibly talented and sensual singer-songwriter Sarah-Jane Morris on June 6. The jazz diva, described as Nina Simone meets Janis Joplin, had a memorable hit 'Don't Leave Me This Way' with The Communards in the 1980s.

"I first heard Sarah-Jane at Ronnie Scott's in London seven years ago," said Anthony. "She was mesmerizing, so fasten your seatbelts!"

The final concert on June 7 will feature the Northern Chamber Orchestra, who will bring the festival to a magnificent close.

"They perform without a conductor and are guided by their leader Nicholas Ward which is a rare occurrence for an orchestra of this size and is surely what gives the orchestra its reputation for fresh and spontaneous music-making" explained Anthony.

"I look forward to musical sparks when I join them for Beethoven's Emperor Concerto."

Other special features at this year's event will see a two-day Academy at Eccle Riggs in Broughton-in-Furness.

This will feature a Master Class with Anthony and, new this year, a class for string players together with a special concert at which Academy participants can perform.

The traditional family concert on June 4, for schools' choir and chamber ensemble, will take on a special theme with specially arranged film, cartoon and TV music.

Tickets and programmes for the festival, which attracts a national profile are available from the Coronation Hall, Ulverston on 01229 587140.