THE highlights of next year’s Ageas Salisbury International Arts Festival were announced at a launch event held at the Guildhall on Monday.

Six of the major performances that will form part of the annual festival in the summer were confirmed, including Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and a performance of the late Sir John Tavener’s work by the South Iceland Chamber Choir.

In 2014, the festival will celebrate the Nordic lands of the midnight sun. Details of the full programme will be revealed at the festival launch on February 24.

The highlights for 2014 are: l City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra with music director Andris Nelsons and violinist Pekka Kuusisto performing Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition and Sibelius’ Violin Concerto in Salisbury Cathedral.

l Much Ado About Nothing by Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre at Old Wardour Castle, Tisbury.

l In Memoriam Sir John Tavener, the South Iceland Chamber Choir performing a number of his works including the recent Three Shakespeare Sonnets and a new work by Jack White in Salisbury Cathedral.

l Stranger, an interactive theatre piece by Emke Idema, exploring the social mechanisms at work when people meet each other, at Salisbury Playhouse.

l Madeleine Peyroux revisiting some of her favourite songs at City Hall Salisbury.

l The Hilliard Ensemble and Jan Garbarek showcasing their sensational partnership at Salisbury Cathedral.

Festival director Toby Smith said: “We are proud to announce the first six events planned for the festival next year, from the welcome returns of The Hilliard Ensemble and Jan Garbarek, the CBSO and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, to participatory theatre from Emke Idema, an exclusive visit from the South Iceland Chamber Choir and an intimate date with the incomparable Madeleine Peyroux.”

Festival friends can book tickets to the six highlight events now. Booking opens to the public on December 10. Festival friends memberships can be bought at any time.