Classical music with a twist coming to Cheltenham

Organisers of an international festival say they are looking to shake off traditional perceptions of classical music with a creative line up and a variety of venues.

Now in its 81st year, the Cheltenham Music Festival will include more than 25 artists and groups from around the world when it starts this weekend.

It is aiming to attract audiences of all ages and backgrounds, especially those who have never considered themselves classical music fans.

Artistic director Jack Bazalgette said the mantra for this year's event is "doing classical music differently" as "it's not your grandad's classical music".

The festival will take place in a range of venues including Tewkesbury Abbey, Cheltenham Town Hall, Deya Brewery and Pittville Pump Room among others.

Alongside traditional recitals, audiences will be able to attend relaxed concerts where people are encouraged to sit where they choose, interact with musicians and even get up and dance.

"With classical music, some people feel nervous like maybe they don't know what to do or they don't know when to clap or that kind of stuff," Bazalgette said.

"We've got loads of concerts of where you can respond to the music however you want to, and feel comfortable doing that in a really friendly, welcoming space."

The artistic director has sought to stretch the bounds of the classical music genre by including folk, jazz and brass bands.

The first concert on Friday will see the Aurora Orchestra play completely from memory without sheet music, and the second day will feature Senegalese artist Dudù Kouate.

"[He] grows all of his own instruments in his garden and dries them out… and they sound beautiful," Bazalgette added.

"[They include] ngonis, which are instruments that are often made out of gourd.

"So you carve out the gourd and put strings across them to turn them into sort of something between a guitar and a kind of banjo."

The festival has an active outreach programme which runs workshops in schools throughout the year.

Information and tickets can be booked on the Cheltenham Festivals website.

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