A HOST of events celebrating the life and works of Sir Edward Elgar have been organised across Worcestershire to mark the composer's 150th birthday.

Born in Broadheath on 2 June, 1857, Elgar hit the right note with music lovers across the globe with works including The Enigma Variations and Pomp and Circumstance March No 1 - better known as the music of Land of Hope and Glory.

Much of his music was inspired by the beautiful surroundings of his home county, including the Malvern Hills.

Birthday celebrations begin with a concert by the English Symphony Orchestra at Worcester Cath-edral on Wednesday, May 30, marking the start of a four-day festival.

A reception at Worcester School of Music, lunchtime recitals at Huntingdon Hall and the Elgar Birthplace Museum, organ recitals at Malvern Priory, and concerts at the Cathedral are among the other events.

Ivan Knezovich, the Destination Worcestershire chairman, is delighted that so many venues in Elgar's home county have organised events to mark this special occasion.

"Elgar is arguably England's greatest composer and he is, without a doubt, Worcestershire's most celebrated son, so it's appropriate that the county should play a major part in these celebrations," he said.

For further details, go to www.visitworcestershire.org and click on Festivals and Events or call 01905 728787.