HUNDREDS enjoyed the beginning of a mini festival in Beaminster, with more events to come.

The Beaminster Festival kicked off with an open-air performance of 18th century comedy 'She Stoops to Conquer' on Saturday, August 28.

The performance by the Rain or Shine Theatre Company was enjoyed by 250 people in the bank holiday sunshine.

Originally cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, organisers later decided that instead of the usual festival, they would put on a 'mini festival' of events throughout the remainder of the year.

Lois Pearson, artistic director of the Beaminster Festival, said: "Our opening event was a major success where 250 people enjoyed sun, laughter and the shared communal experience of an al fresco theatre performance at Beaminster Manor.

"We are thrilled to continue the mini festival with some brilliant musical performances. It is vital to support these artists who have had such a difficult 18 months and we look forward welcoming old and new friends to listen to some gorgeous music in beautiful surroundings"

A series of classical concerts have now been announced to take place throughout September, all taking place at St Mary's Church, Beaminster.

The first of these events comes on Friday, September 17 and will see the Greenwich Trio perform Haydn's Piano Trio in E flat, Brahms' Piano Trio number one and Beethoven's Piano Trio in B flat major.

Renowned pianist Cordelia Williams will take to the stage on Sunday, September 19, performing a recital with music by the likes of Robert Schumann, Fritz Kreisler and Franz Schubert.

The final concert in the series will see Leo Popplewell on the cello and Antonina Suhanova on piano. The duo will be performing cello compositions by the likes of Claude Debussy, Sergei Rachmaninoff and Ludwig van Beethoven.

All events start at 7.30pm.

Further information and tickets are available at www.beaminsterfestival.com.