The festival celebrating one of Worcestershire's greatest sons came back in full swing this year.

The Elgar Festival, running from Monday, May 27 until Sunday, June 2, was a bustling week of concerts, conversations, events, and exhibitions.

The festival's key component was naturally the compositions of Sir Edward Elgar.

22 events unrolled during the course of the week, showcasing a variety of Elgar's works, including songs, miniatures, partsongs, choral anthems and his cherished orchestral pieces, most notably the Violin Concerto presented by soloist Zoë Beyers, Cockaigne Overture, Piano Quintet, Salut d’Amour, Introduction and Allegro, and Pomp and Circumstance Marches.

Under the theme ‘The Origins of Inspiration’, the festival brought together a range of esteemed guest artists from across the globe and spotlighted works of Elgar's contemporaries along with leading present-day composers and arrangers.

The Gala Concert, conducted by the English Symphony Orchestra and featuring composer Steve Elcock, violinist Beyers, and soprano April Fredrick, was described as "the heart of the festival".

The annual Elgar Strings was performed by the English String Orchestra, and late night Club Elgar concerts including music from the world of cinema and blues featured.

There was also a free exhibition of Elgar memorabilia from prestigious private collections.

Internationally recognised cellist and festival patron, Julian Lloyd Webber also graced the festival, sharing his unique insights and personal experiences with the Elgar Cello Concerto.

Promising young violinist Esther Abrami performed at one of the late night Club Elgar events.

More eclectic musical genres were on offer at the venue, where festival director Kenneth Woods exchanged his conducting baton for a blues guitar.

Alongside his regular bandmates and rising star Alex Voysey, the concert revisited Elgar’s themes woven through a timeline of blues history.

Artistic director Woods said: "Elgar was a tireless champion of the contemporary music of his own time, and the Festival honours his legacy by supporting living composers in as many ways as possible."

Chair of The Elgar Festival and former Mayor of Worcester, Adrian Gregson said: “We would like to say a very big thank you to all the performers and support teams who made this year’s Festival such a fabulous success.”