CHRISTCHURCH Priory is organising its second music and art festival this summer.

The event, which first took place in 2014, will be held between June 12-18, with tickets already on sale.

This year it is backed by Renaissance Retirement, who have recently developed the former Cornfactor site next to Druitt Gardens.

Robert Taylor, managing director at Renaissance, said: “Having built in Christchurch for a number of years, we know the anticipation this programme of music and art events will provide people from all over Dorset and Hampshire.

"As a local retirement builder, we enjoy supporting community initiatives and the Priory’s Music and Art Festival is one very dear to our heart.”

Organisers are promising a week of contrasts with a concert of gamelan music, the native music of West Java, on the Monastic Lawn behind the Priory on one evening, with a Victorian salon entertainment, on another day.

Christchurch Priory priest, Canon Charles Stewart, said: “Having grown up in Edinburgh, one of the great festival cities, I know the tremendous impact a festival can have on its community.

"This second festival gives an opportunity to explore the universal language of music, from solo guitar to a major classical oratorio – and the Priory will be filled with artwork from local schools.

"It promises to be a feast of music and art which I know you will enjoy."

The Cloisters Cafe will be open every day including Saturday, with picnic boxes to enjoy on the Monastic Lawn for the open air concerts.

The Priory has set-up its own box office, which is open from Monday to Saturday from 10am until 3pm.

Go to christchurchpriory.org/festival2016.