The new Trowbridge Arts Festival, which runs from September 14-30, has been backed by the developers behind the St Stephen's Place cinema complex.

Legal & General Property has been announced as the headline sponsor of the festival, a brand new series of events which celebrate the heritage of Wiltshire’s county town.

Highlights of the festival include a rare concert by guitarist Gordon Giltrap in conjunction with Oliver Wakeman, world renowned clarinettist Michael Collins and comedian Lee Hurst.  The range of live entertainment is to be accompanied by a series of creative arts and literary events including writing workshops with highly acclaimed authors, calligraphy lessons and a photography marathon.

There will be a one-off performance of Wiltshire-written musical Revolution! The Musical on September 27, just weeks after it has its international premiere at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August.

A number of venues across Trowbridge will be opening their doors to the public to host the wide range of events, including a free tour of Trowbridge Town Hall and an orchestral performance by Wiltshire Rural Music School at Holy Trinity Church.

Tracy Sullivan, arts development manager for Trowbridge Town Council, said: “The support of our partners is proving to be vital in attracting a range of outstanding performers and ‘A’ list authors to the Festival.

“Beyond September, we will continue to work with Legal & General to explore ways in which we promote future events and initiatives to help sustain Trowbridge’s position as the cultural heart of Wiltshire.”

Tim Russell, senior asset manager at Legal & General, said: “We are delighted to be involved in this year’s inaugural Arts Festival, which promises to make Trowbridge the centre of Wiltshire’s attentions for the summer period.

“One of our aims with St Stephens Place was to help establish Trowbridge as the county town in the eyes of Wiltshire’s residents and help bring people into the town to show what it has to offer. We hope that events such as the Arts Festival will show Trowbridge in the best possible light and help residents explore its rich heritage in creative arts and literature.”

In addition to being a principle sponsor for the entire event, Legal & General will be sponsoring a performance by Gordon Giltrap, who will perform with Oliver Wakeman in concert and host a guitar workshop at Trowbridge Civic Centre at 8pm on Saturday, September 29.

For more information visit www.trowbridgeartsfestival.co.uk