IT may only be a small village, but once again Lower Machen has attracted the big names.

Last year Lower Machen in Newport celebrated its 900th anniversary as a village. This year, there's no big anniversary - though the festival is in its 35th year - but still plenty to celebrate.

Once again presenting classical music in the unique setting of St Michael's and All Angels Church, a 12th century building with incredible acoustics, the six-day festival begins on Tuesday with a short performance by pupils from Pentre-poeth Primary.

On Wednesday Boston-based vocal ensemble Liber unUsualis sing music from 13th and 14th-century Engl-and by candlelight, and on Friday mother and son pianist duo Helen and Harvey Davies play Bach, Schubert, Debussy and others.

On Saturday there are concerts by the Alauna Ensemble, playing Nielsen, Beethoven and premiering a piece by Mancunian composer Simon Parkin, and young Welsh bass Richard Wiegold with pianist Kevin Thraves.

The festival finishes on Sunday when Llyr Williams plays Schubert, Liszt, and a specially-commissioned piece by Stephanie Power.

To book tickets or for more information on performances call the box office on 0870 013 1812.