The 50th Windsor Festival is in full flight.

It starts spectacularly tonight with a black tie concert in the Waterloo Chamber of Windsor Castle with a programme of Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky and Beethoven. Conducted by Thomas Carroll it features cellist Jonathan Svenson - winner of the seventh Windsor Festival International String competition.

The organisers have also brought together the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with the choirs of Eton College Chapel and St George's Chapel - who have appeared in the festival throughout its history - for a joint programme tomorrow (Thursday) at St George's Chapel.

The beautiful programme includes English choral music and exciting young mezzo soprano Kate Symonds-Joy for Elgar's evocative Sea Pictures.

Still to come is the award winning choir Tenebrae comes to St George's Chapel on Tuesday, September 24.

While on Friday, September 27 there is a welcome return to the festival by John Lill, one of the leading pianists of his generation whose career spans 55 years. His recital takes place at Eton College School Hall.

The festival includes music, talks, walks and tours. It runs almost simultaneously with the Windsor Fringe Festival.

The literary series of events includes talks by Prue Leith, Robert Harris, A.N. Wilson and Lucy Worsley.

The box office number for the festival is 01753 743585 10am to 4.30pm Monday to Sunday or go online to book or for more details of performances.