Thousands of singers, musicians and speakers from across the county are preparing to dazzle at the Lincoln Music and Drama Festival.

The event which is in its 68th year and was once attended by former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, kicks off today at the Central Methodist Church in Lincoln's High Street.

Performers of all ages will be taking part in the two-week long festival which will test the talents of more than 2,000 entrants.

Publicity officer Tom Ellis said: "We hope it is going to be the biggest and best festival yet.

"There are an awful lot of young people taking part and adults too.

"There is a lot of camaraderie at the festival between all different kinds of people from the county, and further afield.

"We have people who perform with Opera North and lots from the Lincoln Cathedral choir too."

Performers will be tackling a wide range of pieces from Handel's arias to musical numbers along with Shakespeare's speeches to poems by Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy.

Along with individuals, the festival will see performances from groups including brass bands, choirs, schools and barbershop quartets.

A panel of professional adjudicators assess each class and award prizes at the end of the volunteer-run festival.

There are 249 classes and more than 60 trophies to be won, including the Lincolnshire Echo Challenge trophy for the solo singing class.

And there will be three or four outstanding young performers who will win a bursary to send them on to a summer school to enhance their skills in music, speech and drama.