SCHOOLS have been encouraged to sign their pupils up for free seats at an 'inspirational' classical music concert.

Oxford Chamber Music Festival returns with a week of classical music events from October 3-7, including the Schools' Concert on Monday, October 3.

It takes place at Oxford Town Hall on October 3, at 2pm, and features celebrated young musician Sheku Kanneh-Mason - who played at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding.

Alexander Armstrong of Classic FM and BBC gameshow Pointless will be presenting the concert.

d’Overbroeck’s school in Summertown, a partner school of the festival, is encouraging schools across Oxfordshire to book seats for their pupils.

Richard Poyser, director of music at d’Overbroeck’s, said: "The [festival] is an inspirational concert series that takes place in Oxford at the beginning of October every year and which features international performers from the world of classical music.

"Our commitment to making music as approachable and enjoyable as possible for all of our students is mirrored in the OCMF’s educational vision: they too seek to introduce music in all of its glorious complexity and life-affirming richness to as wide an audience as possible.

"There is no sense of being patronising - programmes are not dumbed-down, but the energy, enthusiasm and desire to communicate that their wonderful musicians bring to each performance break down the barriers of exclusivity that deter so many from classical music.

"Our Schools' Concert is an opportunity for students from all over Oxfordshire to experience fantastic music with world class musicians in a fabulous, local setting."

Any schools interested in taking up free tickets for the event can email office@ocmf.net as soon as possible, stating how many pupils and staff would like to attend.