THE BEAMINSTER Festival will celebrate its 20th anniversary later this month with a bumper line-up.

The event takes place between Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, July 12 - with performances and workshops taking place across the town, including at St Mary's Church, Beaminster School and Mapperton Gardens.

The Glenn Miller Orchestra will take centre stage on Saturday, July 4, while other events include a Parisian supper and cabaret evening and folk band Show of Hands.

St Mary's Church will host the classical music events, including low key concerts at 12pm and a literary talk at 2.30pm. One of the speakers this year is Dickie Arbiter, former press secretary to the Queen, who will talk about his book.

The evening classical concerts include The Tippet Quartet who have performed at the BBC Proms, the Choralia Choir from Wells Cathedral School, BBC young musician of the year 2014 Martin James Bartlett and acclaimed British cellist Steven Isserlis.

A visual arts exhibition will transform the Public Hall into a gallery of wonderful works of art from paintings and sculpture to ceramics and textiles, all produced by local artists. Art from Beaminster School Year 10 GCSE students will also be on display.

Children’s entertainment will be provided on Sunday, June 28 at 2.30pm in the grounds of Beaminster Manor House - with a performance of Robin Hood the Musical, for three to 12 year olds. Family and friends can have a joyful fun filled picnic while watching the funny show.

Beaminster School Hall will become the festival hall for five evening events all with a licensed bar. BBC Radio Two folk award winners Show of Hands will perform - as will Lizzie Ball and the James Pearson Trio, the Darius Brubeck Quartet and the Glenn Miller Orchestra with vocalists helping to provide a traditional jazz band item with a surprise for the audience.

For full listings of all events, please visit beaminsterfestival.com