HASLEMERE Festival 2019 is on song to be the biggest and best yet and is now under way.

Book now for the world premiere of a new take on Beggar’s Opera by local composer Clive Osgood, specially commissioned by Haslemere-based Imagine That Productions May 25 and 26.

Further treats in store until May 27 range from Opera South’s celebrity recital May 15, the eagerly awaited finals of Haslemere String Competition for talented young players May 16 and jazz pianist Sting favourite Jason Rebello May 17, to the first sighting of the massed Haslemere Hounds Parade May 18 and 19, Gruffalo and Go-Away Bird performances by best-selling author Julia Donaldson and popular trailblazer Little Lumpy Cycle Sportive both May 19.

Talks include a family insight on Charles Darwin by Emma Darwin May 16, the BBC during WW2 by presenter Ed Stourton May 21 and Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt giving a political update May 24.

Family fun features a RSPCA dog show May 18 and the blockbuster Haslemere Classic Car Show May 26.