The valley will be alive with the sound of music when a new festival brings international talent to Branscombe this summer.

Ian Rosenblatt is putting on a three-day celebration of opera, jazz and classical styles that will culminate in a free performance on the beach.

Leading classical musicians from across the globe, including stars of the Metropolitan Opera and the Royal Opera House, will descend on the village to present a weekend of entertainment from July 26 to 28.

Founder Ian, 53, said: “I am delighted and excited that we have this incredible opportunity to present the world’s leading stars from opera, classical music and jazz in the intimate and beautiful setting of Branscombe.

“I hope we will get a lot of local support and this will be the first of many Branscombe Festivals.”

The event will be Ian’s second celebration of music, as he established London’s now famed Rosenblatt Recitals.

He started the series in 1999 after his law firm sponsored a concert, as a chance for audiences to experience the truly great voices that are normally the reserve of the Royal Opera House.

The 53-year-old is credited with starting the career of a number of artists, including Ohio-born tenor Lawrence Brownlee.

“There’s hardly a country we haven’t had an artist from,” he said.

Ian is now bringing some of that talent to Branscombe, where he has had a house for the last 15 years.

The festival will be curated by renowned pianist Iain Burnside and hosted by BBC Radio 3 broadcaster and journalist Petroc Trelawny.

Acts announced so far include Carducci Quartet, Philip Higham and the Leo Green Experience in the church and the village hall, and the Trelights Brass Quintet will be playing on the beach.

Paul Rigley, from the Sea Shanty café on the seafront, said it was news to him but he is all for it.