A SIX-DAY musical extravaganza will take over a South Lakes town as dozens of musicians take to the stage.

The South Cumbria Musical Festival will celebrate its 41st year when it kicks off this Sunday in Ulverston.

Over the course of one week musicians, vocalists and poets will do their best to win the acclaim of the judges.

Festival chairman Keith Butcher is glad to see there was a high number of entries this year, following on from the turnout in 2016.

He said: "It varies from year to year but it's nice to see that there is an enthusiasm to play."

As well as artistic performances, there will be a range of workshops held aiming to encourage an awareness of music in young people.

Mr Butcher said he was pleased that the festival offered so many benefits for the children who take part.

He said: "I always enjoy the music, but I also enjoy the benefits that the young persons get out of it -the information and encouragement that they get from the adjudicators.

"They get advice as how to improve, we can always improve in everything that we do."

On Sunday morning the festival, held in Ulverston's Coronation Hall, will swing into gear. The first performers to take to the stage will be brass category, accompanied by renowned musician Ian Honeyman.

The rest of the week's performances will consist of poetry recitals on Monday, piano on Tuesday, instrumental day on Wednesday and youth and adult vocalists on Thursday and Friday.

The week will be capped off by a blockbuster gala night on the evening of Saturday April 8.

Mr Butcher is looking forward to the festival and excited for the varied performers throughout the week.

He said: "There are different parts of the festival that give me kicks every day. I'm motivated throughout the week by what I see and the benefits that we can give to the performers."

Tickets can still be obtained by phoning 01229 584653, or during the festival from the Coronation Hall or by phoning 07773 403686.

Festival programmes are available now from Ulverston Library and The Full Octave, Tudor Square, in Dalton.