THE Ribchester Music Festival starts on Wednesday when the opening event will be musical fun and games for pre-school children.

Organisers have promised something for youngsters of all ages during the five-day musical extravaganza and are confident their programme will be well-received.

Among the highlights are an appearance on Saturday of former BBC Young Musician of the Year Adrian Spillett.

He will be offering youngsters the "percussion experience of a lifetime".

This year's festival will also showcase local as well as international musical talent.

Among the local performers taking part are Jeremy Lamburn, soprano Alison Doyle, both of whom live in Ribchester, and Preston-born trumpeter Greg Banks.