A SERIES of events pitched as an 'extravaganza of song' will entertain audiences in Oxford.

Oxford Lieder Festival is set to return to the city for two weeks of song recitals, musical and choral performances, readings and masterclasses.

The event runs from this Friday until Saturday, October 27, featuring almost 100 events.

It is in its 17th year and is entitled The Grand Tour: A European Journey in Song.

Many events are free and thousands of tickets are available from £2-£12, with under-35s able to attend events for £5 to encourage a wider audience.

Venues include New College Chapel, Merton College, the Sheldonian Theatre, the Holywell Music Room, the Ashmolean Museum and the Weston Library.

Some of the artists set to perform this year include Sophie Bevan, Kitty Whately, James Gilchrist and Marcus Farnsworth.

The festival’s artistic director Sholto Kynoch said: “I am thrilled that such an amazing array of artists will be coming to Oxford for this unique celebration of European song.

“It’s an apt time to celebrate music and language that ranges freely across borders, and the programme has a deliberately wide focus, embracing both the variety and the binding threads of music from all over Europe.

“Our fantastically wide-ranging series of additional events are designed to give audiences a genuine insight into the music, art and literature we will be showcasing from across the continent.

“Amidst the glorious surroundings of Oxford, the informal and friendly atmosphere of the festival remains paramount.

“If you’ve not been to the festival before, I urge you to try it out, discover the wonderful world of song and rest assured of the warmest of welcomes.”

He said the opening night will be a ‘spectacular’ gala concert.

For details of events or to book, see oxfordlieder.co.uk or call 01865 591276.