A WORLD premiere of music inspired by the tragic story of a boy king killed at the behest of his power-hungry sister is coming to Winchcombe.

The Ballad of St Kenelm will be one of the highlights of Winchcombe Music and Arts Festival from May 18 to 25.

English writer and composer Francis Brett Young’s Ballad of St Kenelm is being performed as part of a trio of premiere performances.

With a score by acclaimed composer Andrew Downes, the ballad comes to St Peter’s Church on May 22.

Artist HR Wilson’s paintings go on show at the church to illustrate the piece and the Saxon Murder Mystery talk tells how a girl hatched a blood-curdling plan to kill her seven-year-old brother, King Kenelm.

Winchcombe Festival of Music and Arts showcases the talented artists, musicians, photographers, writers and poets who live and work locally.

“It’s very much a community festival and caters to a broad range from concerts to drumming workshops and bell ringing taster sessions,” said David Banks, chairman of the festival committee.

“Without the support of the local businesses and countless community groups and individuals we couldn’t stage this event. It really shows Winchcombe’s proud community spirit.”

Artists and photographers open the doors to their studios for people to peek inside on the Art Trail and sculptors exhibit their work in the gardens of Charingworth Court.

Winchcombe’s history is told through the stories of World War I soldiers, old letters and modern-day photographs, and the memories of a naval officer who loved visiting his grandparents in the town when he was a boy.

Music includes Gloucestershire folk tales, an evening with the Cotswold Savoyards, ukuleles, jazz players, Beethoven performed with a Cuban twist, and a rock ‘n’ roll band from Evesham.

For details of Winchcombe Festival of Music and Arts visit www.winchcombefestival.co.uk or collect a brochure from Winchcombe Tourist Information.