TICKETS will soon go on sale for a week-long summer arts festival.

Now in its 16th year the Winchester Festival of the Arts will launch later this month with tickets going on sale from May 5.

Last year saw headline concerts from Hampshire County Youth Orchestra and local chamber choirs Ashton Singers and Southern Voices.

Lunchtime recitals by performers with a local connection have become a feature of the festival, as well as exhibitions by youngsters from nearby schools.

It also sees a range of engaging speakers, which in 2014 included Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Sir Jonathan Miller, Germaine Greer, Baroness Julia Neuberger and David Starkey.

Director Carol Butler said: “Winchester is home to numerous cultural events, many of which focus on a particular theme or anniversary.

"The Winchester Festival’s strength lies in tapping into the demand for a broad spectrum of eminent speakers and classical musicians, with a few surprises along the way!”

The Winchester Festival of the Arts runs from July 3-11 and the programme will be released on April 20.

Tickets go on sale on May 5 from the cathedral box office.

For more information go online at winchesterfestival.co.uk.