HEXHAM Abbey Festival of Music and Arts returns this weekend with a variety of world-leading music, community singing projects and poetry in the Abbey’s unique spaces.

This year’s festival looks back to two events of 100 years ago – the signing of the Armistice on November 11 and British women gaining the right to vote and voting in the General Election of December, 1918.

An opening concert from John Wallace and John Butt will see them present an intriguing musical tapestry of works for organ and brass which weaves into the Festival’s First World War thread.

Tomorrow night, a candlelit concert with I Fagiolini is set to be a big hit. Their name has become synonymous with performances of the musical glories of the Italian High Renaissance.

Saturday morning’s community event sees local choirs and schools join in a varied programme, including songs made famous during the war and songs inspired by the campaign for votes for women.

Four talented young jazz musicians, known as Blue Note, play a late-evening gig in the convivial surroundings of the Great Hall.

Fresh on the scene and in their early 20s, the group has already achieved notable success.

Taking place on Sunday night, the hour-long music and readings sequence From your ever-loving son, Jack has been described as ‘unmissable’.

At times funny, surprising or deeply moving, the 1915 story takes us into the world of Jack Ellicott, who has signed up with his pals in the South Lancs regiment to fight in the war.

The festival takes place throughout Hexham Abbey from today until Sunday.

Tickets for all events can be booked directly or online through the Queen’s Hall box office.