The war in Ukraine will take centre stage as a Cotswold festival returns next week.

Guiting Music Festival will see some of the top names in classic, jazz and blues descend on the Gloucestershire village.

One of the standout performances is sure to be Fantasia Orchestra’s concert, raising funds for humanitarian aid in Ukraine.

Conductor Tom Fetherstonhaugh said: “Music has always brought people together, it is only fitting that, for this very special concert, we will all be coming together to raise much-needed funds for those affected by the humanitarian situation in Ukraine.”

The concert will be held on Wednesday July 27 and will feature some of classical music’s most iconic works by Richard Wagner and Franz Schubert.

Fantasia will be joined by soloist Alena Baeva for Brahms Violin Concerto and has waived her fee to help boost the funds raised.

The festival, in its 51st year, will be held in a 220-seater marquee on the playing field behind Guiting Power Village Hall.

The American award-winning jazz singer Stacey Kent opens the festival on Friday, July 22.

Other popular artists include Zoe Rahman, Tom Seals, Jason Rebello and the folk group Kathyrn Tickell Trio. 

Some of the classical artists include Alexandra Whittingham, the Galliard Ensemble and Leon McCawley.

The Sunday Blues Day sees Jo Harman and Connor Selby

“We are delighted to welcome in our 51st year, another wonderful selection of top classical, jazz and blues performers who will all be performing in our 200 seater marquee overlooking the stunning Cotswolds countryside. It will be a perfect way to spend a summer evening,” said organiser and trustee Probyn Miers.

Tickets for the Ukraine concert on July 27 cost £35 and are available online now, with the show starting at 6:30pm

Guiting Music Festival full line-up

July 22 - Jazz singer Stacey Kent and her quartet

July 23 - Jazz pianist Zoe Rahman Quintet

July 24 - Jazz pianist Tom Seals Quartet, Jazz pianist Jason Rebello & saxophonist Tim Garland

July 25 - The Kathryn Tickell Trio. pipes, accordion and lyres

July 26 - Classical guitarist Alexandra Whittingham

July 27 - Conductor Tom Fetherstonhaugh Fantasia Orchestra with violin soloist Alena Baeva

July 28 - Wind quintet The Galliard Ensemble

July 29 - The Scott Brothers, harmonium and piano

July 30 - Concert pianist Leon McCawley

July 31 - Blues singer Jo Harman’s quintet, Blues guitarist Connor Selby with his quintet