Classical meets Abba for festival
The event, which takes place from June 12 to June 28, was launched at the Havana Restaurant on Exeter's Quay yesterday afternoon.
Exeter City Council is putting £100,000 into the festival, and events are taking place all over the city, including at the cathedral, Exeter Phoenix, Exeter Castle and the Exeter Corn Exchange.
Last year, 49 per cent of the festival audience came from outside the city and organisers are hoping to attract hundreds of visitors this year as well.
Swamp Circus Theatre, Ceroc Devon and Fanclub Dance entertained the audience at the launch, which included the Lord Mayor of Exeter Councillor Paul Smith.
Cllr Smith said: "Because I am not talented enough to perform, I listen. I think all forms of culture should be available to everybody.
"Sometimes we are brought up to think 'that ain't for me' or 'I don't go to the opera'. But I believe that it's a very important part of our cultural education that we have the opportunity to see these things, and that's what the festival does.
"It's important we embrace all kinds of culture."
The festival will kick off on June 12, with the city's 500-year-old Lammas Fair. This year, the event has had a carnival makeover and the Lord Mayor will be escorted through the city by a parade featuring music, costume, banners, circus performers and sculptures.
In the evening, there will be a free family party on the quay, with entertainment including workshops, live music, a digital funfair and a finale with fireworks.
Highlights will include a performance by Abba tribute band Bjorn Again, a concert by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at Exeter Cathedral and The Rotterdam Chamber Orchestra with soloist Julian Lloyd Webber at the cathedral.
Val Wilson, festival manager, said: "The festival is a great opportunity for people to try things they might not ordinarily try."
For more details about the festival line-up, call 01392 493493 or visit www.exeter. gov.uk/festival.
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