INVERCLYDE’S highly regarded Music Festival gets up and running again tomorrow, with more than a thousand entrants champing at the bit to take part.

Ebullient president, Isabel Lind OBE, former head teacher at Aileymill Primary, can barely contain her excitement as she waits for the curtain to rise on the 92nd edition of a cultural celebration that is one of the most successful in the country and has captivated generations of youngsters and adults.

An innovation this year is the introduction of a First World War poetry class, as hundred year anniversaries continue to roll on from battles during the 1914-18 conflict.

One of the most famous WW1 poets was Wilfred Owen who, like millions of other soldiers, joined up out of patriotism but soon became disillusioned by the horrendous experiences in the trenches.

Introducing this class is a timely and useful addition to the work being done in Inverclyde to educate youngsters about WW1 as well as research information on the contribution of local people to the war effort.

Many other classes will give performers the chance to showcase their talents in vocal and instrumental challenges.

Behind the scenes, making sure it all goes without a hitch, is the dedicated team who give up a great deal of their own time preparing for the festival.

Countless numbers from Inverclyde and beyond have gained their first stage experience at the festival, and gone on to enjoy years of performing.

Long may the extravaganza continue!