PIANO, recorder and instrumental, woodwind and vocal sessions, all feature during the week-long South Cumbria Musical Festival, which starts tomorrow (Monday, March 10) at Ulverston's Coronation Hall.

There will be another huge range of classes being staged, which conclude with brass day on Sunday, March 16.

It will be the first SCMF without the energy and drive of influential chairman Aprille Bonner, who died last year.

New chairman Marilyn Larcombe said that Mrs Bonner was greatly missed.

"Aprille was just amazing in her knowledge and what she did for the festival," she added.

"She just worked tirelessly."

One of the many highlights of the popular festival will be the Saturday Gala night (March 15, 7.30pm), this year featuring the Esther C. Croskery and Aprille C. Bonner Performance Award.

Tickets for Gala Night and further information about the 186 classes and brass band competition are available from the Festival Office at the Coronation Hall on 0777-340-36-86.