Salisbury International Arts Festival returns for its 47th year from May 27 to June 18.

Set at the heart of Wiltshire Creative’s new season, the festival is the jewel in the crown of Salisbury’s events calendar – bringing a daring, diverse, and highly entertaining feast of music, theatre, film, dance, spoken word, visual arts, family and free events across multiple venues throughout the city.

Festival producer Lucy Babb said “After a two-year hiatus we can’t wait to bring together communities to share in the wonder of the arts once again. 2022 will see the return of the Salisbury International Arts Festival back to the venues, churches, countryside and streets of Wiltshire.”

The festival opens on May 27 with the world première of Stone Songs composed by, and under the musical direction of, Howard Moody, which includes the return of the Festival Chorus comprised of local residents, joining La Folia musicians in a celebration of the illustrious history of Salisbury Cathedral.

Originally intended to open the 2020 Salisbury International Arts Festival, Stone Songs is a new choral work inspired by the Medieval chants that have resonated from the Cathedral’s stones since the 13th century.

Joining the team behind this year’s line-up is acclaimed violinist Harriet Mackenzie who becomes an Associate Artist.

She performs throughout the Festival, including the world première of a new violin concerto from Julian Joseph, especially commissioned by Wiltshire Creative.

She also performs with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra on 28 May, who return to Salisbury Cathedral with a concert celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

The Prelude, created by Machin and Mackenzie, is a musical film which sets the scene for the summer’s events can be enjoyed via the Wiltshire Creative website.

Other highlights of the Jubilee weekend will see the city come alive with original street theatre,

dance and spectacle that will delight all ages in ‘City Encounters’. This free event is set to fill the city streets with life, colour and culture in every corner bringing the community together in celebration.

The ever-popular comedy line-up includes household names Mark Steel and Lou Sanders, alongside a hilarious live podcast recording of Nobody Panic and work-in-progress material from Stuart Goldsmith and Nabil Abdulrashid.

There is also unmissable circus from Gandini Juggling, Circus Abyssinia and Wes Peden.

A feast of visual arts are on offer throughout the festival period, with exhibitions, workshops and walks to inspire the senses.

The Salisbury Museum, The Vanner Gallery, Pound Arts Centre, Roche Court Sculpture Park and more beautiful venues across the region will host inspirational and perception-altering artwork to enjoy, many of which are free of charge.

Join award-winning authors and diverse voices from across the globe as they share their unique stories of adventure, exploration, history and identity. The spoken word line-up includes authors David Olusoga, Anita Sethi, Peter Benson, Lucy Cooke, Patrick Barkham, Lucy Strange and Yvonne Bailey-Smith.

Other highlights include Complicite’s critically acclaimed Can I Live? filmed performance on 11 June, written and performed by Fehinti Balogun and tackling the urgent questions around the climate crisis.

Throughout the festival there is a recording of Simon Butteriss reading Oscar Wilde’s De Profundis in its entirety in daily episodes, as well as unmissable dance from Hofesh Shechter Company on 9 June.

And to see the Festival out in exuberant island style, join a spectacular Greek island Panigiri festival in the grounds of Salisbury Arts Centre - there will be food, live music, dancing, local craft stalls and demonstrations to celebrate an unmissable three weeks.

The major sponsor for Salisbury International Arts Festival 2022 is Wilsons Solicitors.

Stephen Oxley, Partner and Business Development Director said: “The Festival plays a key role in Salisbury’s culture and is instrumental in bringing together people from different communities and from all walks of life. I’m delighted that it’s back this year and that Wilsons can once again support what promises to be the best Festival yet.”

For tickets call 01722 320333 or visit wiltshirecreative.co.uk