Popular free lunchtime concerts are set to return to Axminster's historic Minster Church at the beginning of next month.

The 36th season of lunchtime concerts begins on August 5 running 12.30pm to 1pm on Thursdays until the end of October, with a range of music on offer.

Altogether, 13 concerts will take place over the season, beginning with a performance by Clive Smith and his Jazz Quartet and continuing with a variety of talent, local and national with the musicians of the future well represented by performers from local schools.

"With the 2020 series having had to be cancelled because of the pandemic, we're really excited to be able to restart this bastion of Axminster's cultural life," says event organiser Peter Parshall.

"We very much look forward to welcoming back our regular concert-goers who we hope will be supplemented by the many visitors to the area this year."

"We've missed the sound of music and the buzz of people in the ancient building, so a warm welcome awaits everyone."

Entry to the concerts is free, with performers giving their services for nothing. Donations are invited in support of the upkeep of the Grade II* listed building which has served Axminster's community since the twelfth century.

Details of all the concerts in the series can be found in brochures and posters around the town as well as on the church website www.axevmc.com