SOUND, music and rhythm will be taking over Horwich this spring.

A three-day festival of music returns to the town centre with a line-up of big local names and renowned performers from further afield.

The Horwich Music Festival was relaunched last year and hopes to continue to make a big noise in the community for its second outing this May.

Making up his way back home to Bolton for the event is broadcaster and musician Mark Radcliffe, who joins a line-up with includes the Northern String Quartet and internationally renowned jazz group the Nicola Farnon Trio.

Bolton musician and organising committee member, Helen Walker said: “We try to make every day interesting, they are all top line musicians. The aim is to introduce and give a local platform to genres of music people might not necessarily be use to.

“Last year we had people coming along who had never been to a classical concert before.

“When something like this is just around the corner from your home its an opportunity to come and discover different types of music and really enjoy it.”

The festival proved a hit when it was relaunched last year, with local amateurs and professional musicians performing at the Horwich Resource Centre in Beaumont Road. Mrs Walker added: “The community centre has great acoustics and it’s right in the centre of the village. It was great last year and we had some brilliant feedback, the events were pretty much sold out.

“A lot more people know about it this year and we are really pleased to welcome Mark, it’s great that he’s coming to his home town to support the festival.”

Events are launched on May 5 with a free concert in association with the Seniors’ Lunch Club by folk duo Hanky Park from 2pm. Mark joins events at 6pm with conversation and music, including tales of encounters with some of music’s most famous names.

Saturday starts at 2pm with the newly reformed Horwich Brass Band, followed by a jazz and acoustic double bill with Pete King and Nicola Farnon Trio, then a classical double bill on Sunday featuring harpist Alice Kirwan and Northern String Quartet.

For more information and tickets call 01204 668157 or visit horwichmusicfestival.com.