Sounds of the Steinway will drift across the Coronation Hall as one of the country's leading pianists sets the tone for this year's South Cumbria Music Festival.

Martin Roscoe (pictured left), the festival's president, performs a special recital on Friday, March 11 (7.30pm) at the Ulverston venue, featuring Beethoven's Pathetique and Appassionata sonatas and works by Chopin.

Festival chairman Aprille Bonner tells me the recital is a fundraiser for the festival as it now costs in the region of £15,000 to stage the massive musical event, which runs from March 12-March 20.

Aprille says that after the success of the 2004 drama and singing workshops, provided free to more than 74 schools and which involved 2,500 pupils, entries this year have risen dramatically.

So much so they have had to engage new adjudicators to cover the increased numbers.

In addition, entries for the choral singing and speaking classes have attracted so many children that parents attending will have to book tickets to watch.

"So many children are competing we're having to sell tickets in advance for three of the nights," adds Aprille.

"It's the first time we've had to do that.

"It's unbelievable."

Dance is the focus of the first festival weekend, followed throughout the week by speech, piano, woodwind and other instruments as well as an evening of vocal power from 20-plus school choirs, which could lift the Coro roof.

Adult vocal classes and brass solos fill the final Saturday (March 19), with string classes switched to Saturday because of the high number of entries.

One of the gems of the festival Sunday's brass band day brings the superb festival to a splendid and rousing finish.

Meanwhile, the traditional Gala Night, including the Esther Croskery Award, is held on March 19, featuring an entertaining mix of talented musicians and vocalists.

Ulverston Victoria High School Jazz Band gets the evening off to a swinging start, followed by vocalists and instrumentalists, including brass players, vying for the prestigious award, named after the festival's founder.

Gala Night concludes with ballet, modern and tap dancing courtesy of Ulverston's Michelle Stephenson School of Dance.

As usual, it will be well worth attending.

Tickets for the Martin Roscoe concert are £15 and £12, available from the Coro box office on 01229-587140 or festival office on 01229-823432. Gala Night tickets are £5 and also from the festival office as well as on 01229-824143.