AFTER an absence of nine years, the Plaxtol Music Festival has returned with a sellout concert.

The festival, which features several classical and jazz concerts during the year, opened on Saturday night with a concert in Plaxtol Church, near Sevenoaks, performed by the Plaxtol Scholars and Chamber Players. Their performance included pieces by JS Bach and Haydn.

Future events at the church will include a harp performance in May by Claire Jones, who regularly plays for The Prince of Wales, and a concert by cellist Julian Lloyd Webber, who performs in September.

Festival organiser and artistic director Marius Carboni said: "I was delighted with the support the village gave to the festival in making the first concert a sellout."

Mr Carboni, a former Plaxtol parish councillor, who conducted Saturday’s concert, gave up organising the festival nine years ago due to increasing work and family commitments.

"Lots of people said they would like to see it back up and running, but it was only when I stepped down from the council that I had the time to do it," he said.

Plaxtol Music Festival Programme

Saturday, March 15, 7.30pm: jazz group 78rpm at Plaxtol Memorial Hall, School Lane

Saturday, April 26, 7.30pm: King’s School Canterbury Crypt Choir at Plaxtol Church

Saturday, May 31, 7.30pm: Claire Jones, harpist to the Prince of Wales, at Plaxtol Church.

Friday, June 27, 2pm: percussionist Dewi Ellis Jones will hold workshops at Plaxtol Primary School before performing at Reed House, The Street, at 7.30pm

Saturday, September 13, 7.30pm: cellist Julian Lloyd Webber performs at Plaxtol Church