Magic and Mayhem

The exuberant and colourful Salsa Celtica kick-starts the world-music event in the surrounds of Bongate Mill, beneath Appleby Castle, and sets the ball rolling for three days of live entertainment.

Appleby Extra is an extension of Appleby Jazz, but boasts its own unique and dynamic style with something for revellers of all ages.

Magic and mayhem are the buzz-words for Saturday, with the Cumbria Cobwebs Woodwind Quartet starting at 10.30am followed by Lempen Puppets and their magical Rainbow Forest.

The Grand Theatre of Lemmings creates chaos and confusion from 2.30pm through stunts, illusions and more than a touch of Monty Pythonesque humour.

And to top it off, there'll be workshops and shows, crafts and local produce as well as live music in Appleby town centre.

Headlining an evening concert are The Master Drummers of Africa - a wild, colourful and rhythmic band who have performed and recorded with celebrities including Bob Marley, the Rolling Stones and Miriam Makeba.

Drawing on 3,000 years of tribal rhythms and more than 100 traditional instruments, they offer a powerful musical experience.

A jazz trio formed by Appleby Jazz regulars Bryan Spring, Art Theme and Andrew Cleyndert also takes centre-stage before the pace slows for Sunday in time for a more relaxed concert entitled The Late, Late Breakfast Show.

Opening at 12.30pm, the Sunday programme features the Jilly Jarman Quartet, which fuses local talent with modern jazz and world-music influences.

Jilly is joined by Iain Hunter on drums and Stuart Lewthwajite on upright bass, with Paul Froggatt on saxes and flute.

Also performing is local singer and musician Annie Mawson, whose music is rooted in the Cumbrian countryside.

Heading the line-up is the Oxford Concert Party, whose members claim to be Britain's only baroque and tango orchestra.

Their music blends wide-ranging genres, providing an entertaining finale to both the concert and Appleby Extra.