DOZENS of talented performers and artists are set to make this year’s Harwich Festival the most diverse yet.

As well as a eclectic array of world-renowned musicians, this year’s festival has been about locals getting involved with creating their own art.

The festival is running from Thursday until Sunday, July 1.

Peter Davis, artistic director, said: “Over the past few years we have developed a strong visual arts strand with many public arts projects such as the Willow Whale and the Panel Project and developed community projects such as 20 20 and Harwich Shorts. We have also increased the number of exhibitions and been a part of the Essex Summer of Art for several years.

“This has culminated in Harwich being the proud host of the tenth anniversary of the Essex Summer of Art at this year’s Festival.”

The opening night will be dedicated to Harwich’s visual arts with a range of exhibitions opening to the public from 7pm.

Residents will be able to enjoy the community 20 by 20 exhibition at the former Chandlery in Kings Head Street.

There will also be an exhibition of local and visiting artists’ work at the Old Bank Studios.

Public art such as Fishy Business, In the Picture, Sea Window Competition and Windows on Art will also be on display as well as a stunning mosaic boat.

Mr Davis added: “Not only will the people of Harwich and visitors alike have wonderful visual art but they will also be entertained by a great line up of music, dance and spoken word.

“In this years festival classical, early music, jazz, folk and world music are all strongly represented and there will be something for everyone.

“Come and have fun.”

Music highlights of the festival include the jazz and world music band Dinosaur, who will be performing in St Nicholas’ Church on June 23 at 7.30pm.

A stunning soprano recital by Emma Abbate and will be held at the same church on June 26 and 27.

This year, DJ duo Addictive TV will be performing their latest audiovisual sampling extravaganza at Kingsway Hall, on June 30.

Audiences will be enlightened with their extraordinary unique fusions crossing multiple styles and cultures.

To buy tickets, visit harwichfestival.co.uk, call 07425 145022 or visit the Harwich Box Office in Harwich Library.

HARWICH FESTIVAL PROGRAMME

Thursday
Opening of all art exhibitions 7pm

Friday
1pm: Daniel Johnson – Piano Recital, St Nicholas’ Church
3pm: Mark Tilton – Writing For Short Films and screening of Infidel (Best UK Short Film at Raindance)
Harwich, Various Locations, Harwich, Essex. CO123:00 PMEVENT INFO
7pm: Harwich Shorts, Harwich Green, Harbour Crescent
7.30pm: Poetry Cruise, Ha’penny Pier

Saturday
Noon: Harwich Shorts, various locations
1pm: Stephen King, Organ Recital, St Nicholas’ Church
2pm: Zoe Gilby, Jazz Singer, Thai Up at the Quay
7.30pm: Dinosaur, Jazz/World Music, St Nicholas’ Church

Sunday
Noon: Harwich Shorts, various locations
2pm and 3.30pm: GlassHouse, Ha’penny Pier
4.30pm: Evensong – Chelmsford Cathedral Choir, St Nicholas’ Church
7.30pm: Edgelarks – Folk Concert, Kingsway Hall

Monday
1pm: Duos Campos – Clarinet and Guitar Recital, St Nicholas’ Church
3pm: Andy Schooler, Tea Talk, Deli 141, High Street
7pm: Harwich Shorts, various locations
8.30pm: Harbottle and Jonas, Folk Concert, The Hanover Inn

Tuesday
1pm: Emma Abbate and Anna Huntley, Piano and Mezzo – Soprano Recital,
St Nicholas’ Church
3pm: Lizzie Gutteridge, Consort Of 1, Looped Early Music, Salvation Army Citadel
7.30pm: Emma Abbate and Tippett Quartet – Piano Quintets Concert, St Nicholas’ Church

Wednesday
1pm: Emma Abbate and Evva Mizerska – Piano and Cello Recital, St Nicholas’ Church
2pm: Tea Dance, Park Pavilion, Park Pavilion, Cliff Park, Harwich
7.30pm: Dramatic Pause Productions, Harwich Community Arts and Heritage Centre, Main Road

Thursday
1pm: Simon Callaghan – Piano Recital, St Nicholas’ Church
3pm: Black Sandal Press, Poetry, Short Stories and Music, LV18 Lightship
7.30pm: Andrew McCormack’s Graviton, Jazz Concert, St Nicholas’ Church

Friday
1pm: Primary School Concert, St Nicholas’ Church
3pm: Marion Molteno, afternoon With A Writer, Harwich Green, Harbour Crescent
7.30pm: Improviso, Early Music, St Nicholas’ Church

Saturday
Noon: Harwich Shorts, various locations
12.30pm: Christian Wilson, Organ Recital, St Nicholas’ Church
2pm: Standard Issue, Harwich Community Arts and Heritage Centre, Main Road
7.30pm: Addictive TV, Kingsway Hall

Sunday
7.30pm: Saxology – Saxophone Quartet With Singers, St Nicholas’ Church, Church Street