AFTER almost a whole year of planning, Cornbury Festival will open its gates to music-lovers today.

The event, now in its ninth year, is likely to attract up to 16,000 people to Great Tew Park, near Chipping Norton. They will be treated to sets by the likes of Elvis Costello, Seasick Steve, Pixie Lott, Jools Holland, Will Young and Oxford-born actor turned musician Hugh Laurie. Tonight’s proceedings will be topped-off with a show by singer-songwriter James Morrison.

Festival director Hugh Phillimore, who has organised, and selected acts for every year of the festival, said: “I’m quietly confident it will be a wonderful weekend.”

Cornbury Festival runs until Sunday. Day and weekend tickets are available. Click on the link to the festival website for details