A YOUNG musicians' day, an opera performance, and a tribute to a celebrated Welsh composer are among the exciting events planned for this year's Fishguard International Music Festival.

The programme for the internationally-acclaimed Festival, which runs from July 19 to 30, is the first to be put together by new joint artistic directors Peter Donohoe and Gillian Green.

And while they have introduced a sprinkling of new features into the 12-day event, regular festival-goers will be delighted to discover that there is no change to the festival's long-established tradition of presenting major Welsh orchestras, international soloists and chamber ensembles in a variety of venues across north Pembrokeshire, from St David's Cathedral to Rhosygilwen.

Running alongside this prestigious concert programme will be a series of related events, including a Last Invasion Walk and a piano master-class by internationally renowned virtuoso classical pianist, promoter and artistic director Peter Donohoe, while the festival will also pay special tribute to Welsh composer William Mathias.

"Mathias would have celebrated his 80th birthday in 2014," explained Peter. "His music received many first performances at this festival in the past, and we are delighted that his daughter Dr Rhiannon Matthias will be joining us for this tribute to such a distinguished Welsh composer."

The programme for the festival, which opens with a performance by Goodwick Brass Band on Saturday, July 19, is available from local libraries and tourist information centres.

For tickets and further information visit www.fishguardmusicfestival.co.uk, or search Fishguard Music Festival on Facebook.