100 young musicians from across the region will be brought together for an annual festival celebrating one of Worcestershire's favourite sons.

The Elgar for Everyone family concert at the Elgar Festival is set to make its return for the 2024 edition.

Set for Wednesday, May 29 at 7.30pm at Worcester Cathedral, attendees can expect to enjoy performances by young people, teachers, and mentors from the English Symphony Orchestra, following two days of intensive rehearsals and workshops.

The festival's patron, Julian Lloyd Webber, and artist in residence, Esther Abrami, will co-host the event, performing alongside the budding musicians.

The concert will also feature performances from the winners of the festival's 2024 Young Composers Competition.

The artistic director of the festival, Kenneth Woods said: "The Elgar for Everyone family concert has been one of the most beloved and highly anticipated events of the Festival since its inception in 2018.

"Each year, approximately 100 young musicians from the three ESO Youth Orchestras, as well as members of other ESO Youth Groups, the Elgar Virtuosi and others take their music to an audience of families and young people, Elgar aficionados and newbies.

"We are delighted that this year’s event is co-hosted by Julian Lloyd Webber – who will also be conducting a portion of the concert – and young violin superstar Esther Abrami, who will also be soloing with the musicians."

Abrami, who has gained international recognition as a music teacher having coached orchestras around the world, is eager to inspire a new generation of musicians.

Likewise, Lloyd Webber has an extensive background in promoting musical education, having founded the UK Government's In Harmony programme in 2007, a scheme aiming to introduce music to underprivileged youths.

The festival, themed 'The Origins of Inspiration' this year, combines orchestral, chamber, vocal and choral concerts, exhibits and lectures to celebrate the life and music of the internationally-renowned Sir Edward Elgar.

Since its launch in 2018, the festival has doubled in size and popularity, becoming a key event on the county's calendar.

It takes place on the weekend closest to Elgar's birth date, June 2, 1857, and showcases his compositions alongside work from his contemporaries and leading composers of today.