A CASH windfall of more than £30,000 will fund opera, new music and a day of young talent at this year's Harwich Festival of the Arts.

Organisers of the annual music event are celebrating after receiving a £29,300 from the Arts Council England, which is an increase of 25 per cent from last year, and a new grant of £2,000 by the Ralph Vaughan Williams Trust.

This year's event is set to include a special performance of the opera Madame Butterfly as well as classical, jazz and folk music.

A whole day entitled Great Big Celebration of Young Harwich will provide an opportunity for young people in the town to demonstrate their varied talents.

For more details on the festival call Peter Davis on 01255 240220 or 07870620273