FENSTANTON came alive with the sound of music last week as Cambridgeshire’s newest music and arts festival was launched.

Fringe in the Fen, a week long festival being held in and around Fenstanton in July, was given the star treatment at the launch on Thursday (February, 24).

Mezzo-soprano Kate Symonds-Joy, indie-rock band The Abstracts and members of Huntingdonshire Concert Band all performed in the village high street outside Fenstanton Family Butchers, providing an electric atmosphere and giving a great taster of what’s to come.

The festival is the brainchild of Lynda Symonds and Nigel Ferrier, both who live in Fenstanton.

Their aim was to create an arts festival that would inspire the community while also raising money for well-deserving charity at the same time.

Lynda told The Hunts Post: “I have been amazed at the level of enthusiasm and professionalism of the local musicians we have brought together.

“We hope to raise as much money as possible for the excellent work carried out by Macmillan Cancer Support.

“Whether you are into classical, choral, folk, indie, soul, blues or jazz, there will definitely be something for everyone.”

As well as enlisting the support of Graham Ross, director of music at Clare College, Cambridge, it seems that most of the village is involved - from Dairy Crest employees to school children - and have started preparations for the event.

The Hunts Post reported in January that children from Fenstanton and Hilton Primary School had already had their first rehearsal of Benjamin Britten’s Friday Afternoons in preparation for their performance on July 13.

It has now been announced that employees from Dairy Crest are busy planning how best they can contribute to the event, as are a host of fringe sponsors including Anglia Water.

Mark Pendlington (correct), director of corporate affairs for Anglian Water, said: “We are delighted to sponsor the festival, and very happy our contribution helps ensure the money raised will go to help those in need of Macmillan’s care and support.”

INFORMATION: Fringe in the Fen takes place between July 9 and July 16. For details and tickets visit www.fringeinthefen.co.uk or call 01480 352826. If you would like to be a sponsor or become a Friend of Fringe in the Fen please contact Rachael Evans on 01480 498036