MUSIC is filling Christchurch Priory as part of a week-long festival.

The Priory’s first Music and Arts Festival sprung into life on Sunday with a special concert by the Bournemouth Symphony Chorus to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Friends of Christchurch Priory.

A packed programme of events is now scheduled for the rest of the week with hundreds of schoolchildren getting involved.

Yesterday morning 200 youngsters took part in a workshop which included a performance by the Scott Brothers Duo, who showed off their piano and organ skills, marrying up the music to cartoons being displayed on a big screen.

Festival organiser Colin Bacchus said the children loved the show and hopes it will inspire the next generation of budding musicians.

He said: “The children were in stitches and having such a good time.

“If just two out the 200 who came this morning are inspired and come back then it has been worthwhile.

“It is a great opportunity for people to see what a lovely, tranquil place this is to come and visit.”

It will not just be choirs and organ music however, and Colin was keen to emphasise that a wide-range of music will be featured.

Today entry is free to see oboist Phil Gibbs perform at 12.30pm before a ticketed concert in the evening by the David Rees-Williams Trio in a performance Colin said will unite the best of classical and jazz.

There are further free performances to attend at 12.30pm on Wednesday and Thursday before a packed day of events on Friday, including another school workshop and, in the evening, a rare opportunity to hear the combined boys’, girls’ and men’s choirs from the Priory in concert.

The festival will finish on Saturday with Bournemouth’s Bach Choir performing Mendelssohn’s Elijah.

Colin said he hopes the festival will be held every two years.

For a programme of this week’s events, visit christchurchpriory.org