AS well as a number of returning acts and performances, the Harwich Festival of the Arts also has a variety of new attractions for this year’s spectacular event.

Dance features heavily in this year’s programme, with Anna Williams performing her fast and furious improvised show at Kingsway Hall, in Dovercourt, on July 3.

Capoeira – an exciting blend of martial arts, dance and music – will be on show at the Street Party on July 4. The dance began in the slums of Brazil and it is almost certainly the first time it will be performed in Harwich.

Festival administrator Michael Offord said: “Dance features in this year’s programme in new and exciting ways, and we are thrilled to welcome Anna Williams. The Street Party will take place in King’s Head Street, Harwich, and there will be lots to see and hear. Entry will be free.”

A combination of the Harwich and Dovercourt and Witham Choral Societies will be performing Gilbert and Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore at St Nicholas’ Church, Harwich, on June 27. The 40-strong Town Hall Gospel Choir (above right) will also be making their Harwich Festival of the Arts debut.

The group were the winners of the first BBC Songs of Praise gospel choir of the year award and have since performed all over the country.

Harpsichordist Jane Chapman will be playing her contemporary music written especially for the instrument at a concert on July 5, which will also feature the debut of a piece commissioned for the festival by former artist director Diana Burrell.

To finish off the 12 days, a concert featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Purcell’s Come Ye Sons of Art and Handel’s Coronation Anthems will be expertly put on by the Royal College of Music Baroque Orchestra and Chamber Choir.

The evening will be conducted by Ashley Solomon and is sure to be a fitting way to bring this year’s festival to a resounding close.

For more information and tickets, go to harwichfestival.co.uk