THE SALISBURY singing festival which brought international opera, jazz and folk singers to the city last year, launches its extended 2015 programme with a party in private gardens within the cathedral close on Saturday 4th July, 1-4pm. Open to the public, the Celebrate Voice summer celebration will raise funds for the festival’s 2015 season and launch the programme for October half-term.

The summer garden party, features community singing from the Riverside Singers, opera star Phillip Smith, who debuts at the Royal Opera House later this year, Emma Watkinson fresh from her season with English Touring Opera, and a host of delightful young singers from the city.

Supporters can enjoy wonderful music-making, garden games, and a fantastic raffle with generous contributions from local businesses; Heaven Hair, Chas Baker, Adorn Beauty, Alum & Sidaway, and Robert Lewis Chocolate Shop. Plus tea, cakes and sandwiches (available for purchase), all in the beautiful surroundings of a private garden in the Cathedral Close.

Artistic Director, Lynsey Docherty says of the event, ‘the celebration is a great way to enable everyone to be a part of the programme launch, the general public as well as our sponsors, benefactors, festival friends and volunteers. It allows us to welcome people who would like to know more about our 2015 festival, to ‘make friends with us’ if they should like to be more involved, and to simply have a great time with some fabulous music-making and a party atmosphere!’

Celebrate Voice runs from October 23rd to November 1st 2015, and singing fans can expect performances this year from leading stars from the Royal Opera House, the 2015 BBC Folk Singer of the Year, a West End & Broadway star and a Ronnie Scott’s jazz legend. Together with celebrations of two local vocal ensembles, the return of Sing City and the chance for young professionals and children to be part of the festival’s opera production, the extended festival is truly flourishing in it’s second year.

The summer garden party runs from 1-4pm on Saturday 4th July at 56A The Close, Salisbury, with the main event performance at 2pm. Tickets are just £5 for adults, and free entry for accompanied children. Available on the door. www.celebratevoice.co.uk