THE SPIRIT of Music Festival returns to Liss and Petersfield over the first two May weekends with an array of performers, workshops for all ages and affordable and free concerts for the family.

The opening concert tonight (Saturday) at 7.30pm in St Peter’s Church, Petersfield, brings baritone Alex Poulton with pianist Simon Watterton and cellist Rudi de Groote for a line-up of songs and sonatas. Entry is free.

Tomorrow (Sunday) at 6.30pm in St Mary’s Church, Liss, Schubert’s string quintet will be re-scored for clarinet, violin, cello, accordion and santouri by ensemble Zum Roten Igel (ZRI). Tickets cost £10.

Artistic director and co-founder of the Spirit of Music Festival Sara Struntz-Timossi said: “All of this weekend’s performers are incredibly versatile, skilled and captivating performers – with strong links to Hampshire – who have performed at the best concert halls in England and worldwide.

“We are also extremely pleased to offer a series of workshops for different instruments and voice, during which players and singers of all ages can actively partake in the joy of music-making.”

ZRI will offer a workshop on Gypsy and folk improvisation for all instruments on Sunday afternoon.

Saturday, May 14, has three workshops on offer – a children’s string workshop, a singing workshop on African partsongs and spirituals and a big band workshop for wind and brass.

Concert events continue on Saturday, May 14, with a big band concert by the Havant Clarinet and Saxophone Choir at 7.30pm in Liss Village Hall. Tickets cost £7.

At 7pm the same day the presentation and screening of the film Elgar: The Man behind the Mask, by award-winning director John Bridcut, will be held at the Triangle Centre, Liss. Tickets cost £10.

Sunday, May 15, sees the final concert led by the SouthDowns Camerata, at 4pm in St Mary’s Church, Liss. Tickets are free.