Magnificent music, a lively litfest, wonderful walks and delicious food and drink – the nine-day Proms at St Jude’s music and literary festival starts this weekend in Hampstead Garden Suburb.

Notable classical artists taking part this year include opera soprano Lesley Garrett, the Endellion String Quartet with clarinettist Michael Collins, pianist Llyr Williams and violinist Tamsin Little accompanied by pianist Piers Lane.

Another highlight will be Handel’s rarely-heard Esther – the Elia Ensemble and Choir will use period instruments to explore the techniques of historical performance. And opera fans will be delighted by the opening night concert performance of Puccini’s La Bohème by Nevill Holt Opera.

There will be a night of trad jazz with Keith Ball and His Jazzmen, and an evening of the music of Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim performed by the critically-acclaimed Maria Friedman and Jason Carr.

A series of free lunchtime events will support rising young musicians and there are three free concerts for children and families.

For the opening midday concert on Saturday, the Little Wolf Gang will be performing Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf and Other Wild Tales.

The LitFest weekend, on June 21 and 22, includes novelist and biographer Edna O’Brien, Hugh Pym, and journalist Lynn Barber.

Eight guided heritage walks in and around Hampstead Garden Suburb and the City are also on offer, including a look at ‘controversial’ trees and another aimed at families with children.

  • Proms at St Jude’s takes place at The Henrietta Barnett School and St Jude on the Hill, Central Square, Hampstead Garden Suburb from Saturday, June 21 to Sunday, June 29. Details: promsatstjudes.org.uk