The programme for this year’s Whinburgh Music Festival, being held from 7-9 August, has a strong theme of participation throughout the three-day event.

Dancing is on offer on Friday with a lively barn dance, aka Ceilidh, on 7 August with local East Anglian band Hospepipe providing the music.

Saturday is dedicated to the cello. The Cellophonics quartet will be leading a cello ensemble workshop during the day and in the evening performing in the wonderful setting of St Mary’s church Whinburgh.

Sunday sees the return of the Iceni Choir to Whinburgh Music Festival. The choir will form the core of a ‘Come and Sing’ adventure with the Whinburgh Festival orchestra conducted by Martin Budgett. Cellophonics is an inspiring group of cellists who normally play with the BBC Concert Orchestra and Iceni is a well-established Norfolk choir.

Two well-loved choral pieces – Vivaldi’s Gloria and the Mozart Requiem – feature in Sunday’s come and sing session, which is aimed at those know have a knowledge of the pieces and is guaranteed to be a rewarding and exciting experience. There will be an afternoon rehearsal with orchestra and an evening performance.

The festival is located in the rural village of Whinburgh just outside Dereham. All monies from the festival will go to church funds.

Full details of the programme, how to apply for tickets and the workshop and come and sing session are available on the festival website – www.whinburghmusicfestival.co.uk or from

Liz Cooper – email lizcooper56@icloud.com