International stars Tom Poster and Elena Urioste, and the folk trio Taradiddle, who rarely tour, are coming to Presteigne for a new music festival.

Titled The Happening, the festival is coming to Presteigne from Friday 29th to Sunday 31st August.

Taking place the weekend after the town’s regular music festival, this thoughtfully curated programme features internationally acclaimed artists, interactive performances, classic cinema with live accompaniment, and a glittering dance night, all designed with the local community in mind.

The event will be run by authors Jem Poster and Sarah Burton, who are local to Presteigne, and known for their historical crime fiction novel Eliza Mace.

Highlights include: a showing of Charlie Chaplin’s classic silent movie, The Kid, Presteigne sings, encouraging singers of all types to join in, and Bob Dylan: Words and Music.

Speaking to The Brecon and Radnor Express, Ms Burton said: “In Presteigne we are extremely lucky to have the well-established Presteigne Music Festival which gives a platform to classical music and also new works from living composers. People travel great distances to come to that. The Happening is offering something else and is aimed at a much more local audience. Half of the eight events are free for children and the range of music is much broader, offering, we hope, something for everyone, from a folk group from Switzerland, Taradiddle, multi-instrumental virtuoso Tom Kimber, internationally famous pianist Tom Poster and violinist extraordinaire Elena Urioste, to Presteigne’s own Pop Choir and a Northern Soul and Funk dance night. We also hope to attract a wider audience to the Assembly Rooms in Presteigne. A lovely venue which is under used but has so much to offer.”

Mr Poster said: “We’ve been delighted at the support from the community from restaurants in the High Street, Crocketts, Daphne’s and Rose Cottage Cafe, feeding the musicians, to local organisations such as Presteigne Plenty who are sponsoring Presteigne Sings! An event that is free to everyone who’d like to come along and be part of an instant choir. It’s been interesting to see how there is an appetite for things we haven't seen in Presteigne before. For example, we’re screening Charlie Chaplin’s classic movie ’The Kid’ with a live piano accompaniment and tickets for that have been selling fast. It’s a bit of an experiment and an adventure and also, hopefully, a real treat for families just before the kids go back to school when the holiday spirit can be wearing a bit thin!”

Tickets are available for all events from The Salty Dog, High Street, Presteigne (cash only) or online from We Got Tickets. Full details can be found at https://www.midborderarts.com/events/assembly-rooms-the-happening

The full line-up:

Friday, 29th August

11:00am - 12:00 Film: The Kid

A rare screening of Charlie Chaplin's classic silent movie, with live piano accompaniment by Father Richard. A unique experience, suitable for adults and children. For more information

Tickets - £7 (Free for ages 4 - 14. Children must be accompanied by an adult)

Cash tickets at the Salty Dog, High Street, Presteigne or online: https://wegottickets.com/event/662781

While admission is free for children, you need to book or collect tickets for them.

3:00pm - 3:45pm Junior Jukebox

Live music for younger listeners - classical gems, favourite movie themes, nursery rhyme medleys and the chance to help Elena and Tom create a completely new piece! For more information

Tickets - £7 (Free for ages 4 - 14. Children must be accompanied by an adult)

Cash tickets at the Salty Dog, High Street, Presteigne or online: https://wegottickets.com/event/665020

While admission is free for children, you need to book or collect tickets for them.

7:30pm - 9:30pm Jukebox Live

Elena Urioste and Tom Poster present their trademark eclectic selection of music, ranging from classics to Tom’s Great American Songbook arrangements, from 60s hits to brand new works. Audience members will be able to vote on what music they would most like to hear in this one-of-a-kind interactive #UriPosteJukeBox concert experience. For more information

Tickets - £20

Cash tickets at the Salty Dog, High Street, Presteigne or online: https://wegottickets.com/event/665022

Saturday, 30th August

11:00am - 12:30pm Presteigne Sings!

Whether you belong to a singing group or only sing in the shower, come and be part of an instant choir - good for both body and soul. No experience necessary. Adults and children welcome. Free to all ages. For more information

3:00pm - 4:00pm Hits from the 60s and 70s

Join Presteigne Pop Choir for songs made famous by the likes of Dionne Warwick, Roy Orbison, Frankie Valli and the Walker Brothers. For more information

Tickets - £5 (Free for ages 4 - 14. Children must be accompanied by an adult)

Cash tickets at the Salty Dog, High Street, Presteigne or online: https://wegottickets.com/event/665023

While admission is free for children, you need to book or collect tickets for them.

7:30pm - 10:30pm Beat Club: Dance until you drop!

It's an unmissable date at the Beat Club, as John Hymas spins the discs for a night of classic Northern Soul, funk and disco. Dig out your glad rags - it's glitter ball time. Strut your stuff and soak up some sounds from the golden age of popular music. Expect: The Supremes, Paula Parfitt, P P Arnold, Dusty Springfield, Frankie Valli, Gladys Knight, The Meters, Dr John, Funkadelic and many more. Rock up in your dancing shoes and be your most fabulous self! For more information

Tickets - £15

Cash tickets at the Salty Dog, High Street, Presteigne or online: https://wegottickets.com/event/665026

Sunday, 31st August

3:00pm - 4:30pm Bob Dylan: words and music

Poet and novelist Jem Poster joins forces with guitarist and vocalist Stephen Ferron in a lively discussion and illustration of some of the ground-breaking songs penned by Bob Dylan in the 1960s. For more information

Tickets - £7

Cash tickets at the Salty Dog, High Street, Presteigne or online: https://wegottickets.com/event/665252

7:30pm - 10:00pm Taradiddle

Don't miss this harmony-driven folk trio on a rare UK tour. For more information

'A perfect balance of international, traditional and contemporary songs sung with intelligent, skilful ease and a blend of voices made in heaven. Taradiddle are a delight!' - Rick Kemp, Steeleye Span.

Tickets - £15

Cash tickets at the Salty Dog, High Street, Presteigne or online: https://wegottickets.com/event/665256

The celebration is for the local community as much as for visitors, aiming to provide “all kinds of music for all kinds of people”.