A festival devoted entirely to the music of English composers is set to go ahead, despite lack of support from official and corporate bodies.

From next Friday for five days Dorchester Abbey will play host to concerts of English music by world-class artists such as internationally acclaimed cellist Julian Lloyd Webber, counter tenor Michael Chance, lutenist Rob MacKillop, baritone Peter Savidge and pianist David Owen Norris.

Organisers have been disappointed by lack of funding and sponsorship from the Arts Council of England and UK companies.

Oscar-winning actor Jeremy Irons, who lives in Watlington, will narrate Vaughan Williams's Oxford Elegy.

For details, log on to www.englishmusicfestival.org.uk or call Em Marshall on 020 7834 5743. Tickets are available from the Festival Box Office on 020 7241 8953.