The Festival Day

There will be numerous musical events going on in different marquees around the festival all day. Take part in musical workshops, ballet, acting, sculpting and music therapy.

Or learn how instruments are made, try your hand at playing one and "meet the orchestra" to understand how the performers create their magic.

At 2pm each day, the highlight of the afternoon is the Classical 'Serenata Stars' Talent Competition. Starting out with the top 40 finalists, the entrants will perform for the chance to appear in the final and win their share of the £10,000 prize. Come along and be part of the voting process.

At 4pm every day the mood changes as high tea accompanied by string quartets becomes the focus of the festival, while Serenata Kids enjoy their own Mad Hatter's tea party at Clavell's Cafè in the Pleasance Kidzone.

The evenings at Serenata are special and take on a magic all of their own. With a full symphony orchestra and leading soloist musicians playing some of the great concertos, the night begins with starlit performances from Emma Johnson, MBE, Ruth Palmer and Benjamin Grosvenor.

After an opera dinner break, the evening programme resumes with world-renowned classical artists providing a broad repertoire of stunning pieces for all to enjoy, including Katherine Jenkins, Russell Watson, Blake, Geoff Sewell and Faryl Smith.

At 10.30pm each evening the second stage comes alive with classical cabaret from some of the finest performers in the UK today, including Impropera, String Fever and Shlomo and the Vocal Orchestra.