VARIETY is the key word for the Rivington Spring Festival 2001 with activities ranging from a step back in time to the Middle Ages, through to an evening of murder.

Activities run from May 11 to 13, starting with Dragonsfire. The group's repertoire ranges from the Middle Ages through to folk songs, Victorian and light classic pieces through to the present day.

The musicians, who appear in costume, feature an ever-growing collection of instruments -- the quartet playing anything up to 50 "musical gadgets" in a concert programme.

As well as lutes and mandolins, these include bones, crumhorns, flageolets and a serpent!

Dragonsfire performs on Friday, 7.30pm, at Rivington Parish Church. Tickets are £25 with after concert dinner, or £6 for concert only.

On Saturday, there is a village green afternoon featuring a variety of stalls, refreshments, morris dancers, and the Rivington and Adlington Brass Band. The band has been established for more than 100 years. The Roocroft family is one of the families to feature in the band -- daughter Amanda graduating from the trumpet to being on stage at Covent Garden in leading soprano roles.

Saturday night, 8pm, at Rivington Parish Church, features Judge Michael Lever QC. He combines his acting abilities with his skills in law to present "A Perfect Murder??".

He will re-enact the court scene of a murder trial making the final speeches both for the prosecution and defence, leaving the audience to act as jury. Michael acted for many years at the Bolton Little Theatre before his legal career took him to being first a Crown Court judge, and then a High Court judge.

Tickets £8, include refreshments.

Preacher, the Rev Dr John Findon, Rector of Bury, will conduct the morning service on Sunday morning, 10.45am, at Rivington Parish Church. The service will feature the voice of Helen Rigby, a music graduate of Lancaster University.

Tickets for all events are from Isabella Leigh-Bramwell on 01204 694913, or Peter Tonge 01257 262958.