Saddleworth’s got talent in abundance

Saddleworth Festival of the Arts will make a spectacular return this year.

The nine-day event will again feature international, national and local talent.

Originally begun in 1957, the festival brings top-quality performers to the area and gives local organisations an opportunity to demonstrate their talents.

This year’s festival, supported by the Chronicle and Saddleworth Extra, opens on June 6, with “A Summer Night in Vienna” at Uppermill Civic Hall.

The London Opera Players and the Parry Ensemble will offer a celebration including opera arias, ensembles and interludes by composers associated with Vienna - including Mozart, Lehar, Gluck, Rossini and the Strauss Family.

Soul siren, Ruby Turner brings rhythm and blues on June 7.

Other celebrated performers during the festival include violinist Tasmin Little, pianist Martin Roscoe, comedian Arthur Smith and poet and playwright Simon Armitage.

A highlight will be the Northern Chamber Orchestra’s performance at the Lord Rhodes concert in Saddleworth Church, celebrating the building’s 800th anniversary.

Talks, concerts and other evens make up the eclectic mix that has always characterised the four-yearly festival.

Alongside a host of exhibitions, garden lovers will have a chance to enjoy the beautiful Saddleworth countryside with 16 local gardens open to visit.

Full details available at www.saddleworthfestival.org.uk.