The man behind some of the most familiar and evocative television theme music and soundtracks is coming to the Burton Bradstock Festival of Music and Art this summer.

Emmy award-winning composer John Lunn will be leading the orchestra playing his scores for TV's Downton Abbey, Shetland and Grantchester, as well other screen classics, including Schindler's List, The Deer Hunter, and The English Patient, in an evening performance dedicated to film and television classics.

The Burton Bradstock Festival returns in August for its 41st event with a packed programme of music to suit all tastes as well as affordable high-quality art and crafts on show to view and buy.

Internationally-acclaimed performers, many of whom are festival regulars, are hosted by local families and are regarded as friends.

The festival opens on Saturday, August 12 when the village hall will be transformed into an art gallery for nine days. Original paintings, ceramics, wood crafts and greeting cards by West Country artists will be on show and for sale.

The programme of concerts from Monday, August 14 to Friday, August 18 also includes jazz, a bluegrass band, chamber music, and more. It culminates in a gala concert of music and song, featuring the full festival orchestra, on Friday, August 18.

There are lunchtime concerts and late-night recitals that include a soup and roll supper.

In a special Castaway event, broadcaster and musician Sandy Burnett talks to local woman Monique Pasche about her favourite music, her life in Burton Bradstock and her involvement in the early days of the festival.

To launch the concert programme, a Festival Evensong will be held in the music venue of St Mary's Church on Sunday, August 13 following a tea party that afternoon in the Rectory Gardens, accompanied by live music.

Artistic director David Juritz, one of the world's most celebrated violinists, said: "Programming the Burton Bradstock Festival is always a voyage of discovery and often my chance to play or hear for the first time pieces performed by my favourite musicians.

"I have also indulged myself by programming some much-loved film and TV music and I'm thrilled that one of the UK's leading composers, John Lunn, will be joining us to play his scores for Downton Abbey, Shetland, Grantchester, and more."

Chair of the festival committee, Jenny Malyon, added: "Last year's return of Burton Bradstock Festival was a triumph after the Covid-enforced break of the previous couple of years.

"Not only do we look forward to welcoming back our much-loved regular musicians in 2023, but also the Friends and supporters who returned to be with us last year – and, I hope, many newcomers too.

"Many people have said to me that that they are amazed and delighted at the number of internationally acclaimed musicians who come to play in our village.

"We are also extremely lucky to have so many highly talented artists and makers in our region to make the Art Exhibition such a success."

Tickets can be bought through Bridport Tourist Information Centre and more information can be found at burtonbradstockfestival.com