The Hellys International Guitar Festival kicks off on Wednesday, bringing a host of top guitarists from seven countries to Helston from to give concerts, demonstrations, interviews, free lessons and talks.

The festival features 12 concerts over four days, from August 23 to 26, as well as offering members of the public a chance to jam with the stars.

One of this year's performers, the Italian guitarist Andrea Dieci, has just won the prestigious Golden Guitar Award for the guitar CD of the year at the Alexandria International Guitar Convention.

Mr Dieci, who has performed in Cornwall many times, and in every continent of the world in recent concert seasons, said: "Cornwall always feels like home to me.

"I will perform two concerts at Hellys: a duo concert of Elizabethan music with the great lutenist Ben Salfield on Thursday; and a solo performance of the complete guitar works of Heitor Villa-Lobos on Saturday."

The festival features twelve concerts in all, and festival director Ben Salfield co-hosts it with the L.A. based American guitar professor, author and presenter Jeffrey Goodman. Mr Goodman will interview performers and demonstrate guitars made by Kif Wood, Manuel Rodriguez, Martin Douglas and Graham Emes, broadcast on Hellys TV across the internet.

Ben Salfield said: "This festival is a great example of generosity all round. Some of Europe's finest musicians are waiving their fees to fly here and give something to the community in Helston. They deserve our thanks and our support as they share their talents with us. Our sponsors in Cornwall and abroad have also given generously, and my small team has given tirelessly of their time to make this work."

The festival is free for under-16s, and there is no charge for anyone attending afternoon events between 1.15pm and 6pm. Tickets are £5 for lunchtime recitals and teatime talks, and £10 for each evening concert, with savings available on day and full festival passes.

Tickets for the festival, full information and a downloadable brochure are available online, and you can contact the organisers direct, at hellysfestival.co.uk