THE FESTIVAL that brought the best of British and International singing talent to Salisbury returns for a second year following the success of its debut in 2014.

The rapidly flourishing festival this year celebrates Great British Divas in the fields of opera, jazz, musical theatre and folk, plus an international cast for four performances of La Boheme. It will run from October 23rd to  November 1st.

Audiences can expect performances from West End and Broadway star Kerry Ellis, famed for her leading role in the hit show Wicked; Royal Opera House Principal Soprano, Susan Bullock CBE gives a rare recital between roles; award-winning Ronnie Scott’s legend, Liane Carroll proves why she is one of Britain’s most celebrated jazz vocalists; BBC Radio 2 Folk Singer of the Year, Nancy Kerr flies the flag for folk music with The Sweet Visitor Band, and Zoe Schwarz, Blues Awards Singer of the Year nominee 2015, performs a free Live Lunch Blues set.

The festival opera, La Boheme presents leading tenor Jung Soo Yun from South Korea appearing as Rodolfo, fresh from the role at Danish Royal Opera, and Spanish soprano Maria Miro appears as Mimi following performances in Barcelona alongside Placido Domingo. With a chorus of South West young professionals and a children’s chorus from the city, the festival provides a platform for young aspiring singers to work with professionals of the highest calibre.

The festival celebrates more local talent with an evening concert of a capella choral music by two of Salisbury’s leading vocal ensembles, Sarum Voices and Sarum Six with arrangements of works from Tallis to Adele.

And true to the Celebrate Voice philosophy of creating opportunities for everyone to join in, there is the chance to be part of the singing action with the return of Sing City, this year held at the Old George Mall, plus the Celebrate Voice Participants Weekend, led by Howard Moody and festival artists. Further outreach opportunities in the community sees the festival taking its international cast of singers to Antrobus House for a concert for elderly people who might not ordinarily be able to attend arts events in the city.

Artistic Director Lynsey Docherty says the festival has grown beyond her wildest imagination in just one year, “The way the community has embraced the festival has been truly astonishing. Our audiences recognise quality, and experiencing such high calibre artists perform in intimate venues in Salisbury is something very special, and something you can’t get in London, where big stars only appear in big venues. Plus we have been congratulated on the friendly and welcoming atmosphere of our events, which is perfect, since we are all about celebration!”

The festival has garnered tremendous support from local and national businesses with Principal Sponsors, EFG Private Bank and major publisher The Mark Allen Group, lending their support to the venture. And local firms including Chas Baker, NFU Mutual Salisbury, Richard Griffiths Solicitors, LKL, Savills and John Rose Photography sponsoring individual events.

Performances take place in the Medieval Hall and Salisbury Arts Centre, and discounts are available upon booking two or more events. For information or to receive festival newsletters see www.celebratevoice.co.uk.