A music festival which offers aspiring classical musicians the chance to work with international artists is to be held in Oxford for a second time.

Last year’s Springboard Festival saw eight musicians handpicked by pianist Melvyn Tan and violinist Levon Chilingirian for a day’s in intensive rehearsals and then performance with their mentors at St Hilda’s College’s Jacqueline du Pre Music Building.

The format proved so successful the festival will be held at the concert hall again on Saturday, May 16.

However this year the performers will have two days to perfect their pieces before taking to the stage.

Artistic director Clare Salter said: “It was absolutely fantastic last year and it was such a beautiful day and a really relaxed, informal atmosphere for the whole thing.

“It’s so nice, because the artists were out playing croquet at the college and talking to people before going on stage and performing, so it had a little festival feel about it.”

As well as the musical performances, there will be a host of musical talks and demonstrations by musicologist Corrina Conner, Andy Lamb, curator of Oxford’s Bate Collection of musical instruments, and local bow-makers Jutte Walcher and Peter Oxley.

There will also be lawn games such as croquet on offer between the performances.

The musicians picked to take part in the festival have been selected from top music colleges and universities.

They are Oxford University undergraduate Daisy Fancourt, who plays the piano, the Cavell String Quartet, violinist Leonard Schreiber, the W3 Wind Trio and baritone singer Allan Smith.

Miss Salter said: “Last year’s event was special, because the artists got a lot from the mentors but also had a lot of fun meeting each other and hopefully it will be even better this year.

“I think it would appeal to families who are interested in hearing young up-and-coming artists and having a nice day out.”

The festival is organised by Music at Oxford and staff at the Jacqueline du Pre Music Building in Cowley Place.

It is being funded by the Arts Council and Oxford City Council.

The music will begin with the first recital, by the Cavell String Quartet, at 10am, with the final concert starting at 7pm.

Tickets will cost £6 for individual recitals, £10 for the evening concert or £20 for all the events.

For more information, see springboardoxford.com