The packed programme of events covers everything from comedy and drama to karaoke and dance.

Talented locals will take to the stage for events like Rutland's Got Talent and a 1940's dance night while professional actors will capture the imaginations of young and old with an open air performance of Wind in the Willows at Oakham Castle.

With a recession-busting budget of just £7,000 this year compared to last year's £45,000 bill the organisers are focusing on quality rather than quantity with just one event on most days.

Other highlights include J'Oakham (13th June), which is a comedy club style evening, and another 1940s inspired night when Jill Daniels sings 'Hits of the Blitz' at All Saints' Church on June 20.

Tickets for Oakham Festival events are available from the Art Shop in High Street, Oakham, or via the festival website at www.oakhamfestival.com.

Friday June 12

Oakham Festival Reception with the Clarion House Choir. Catmose Gallery, Vale of Catmose College at 6.30pm. Admission free.

J'Oakham with Chris Neill and Liam Mullone, compered by Alan Seaman in conjunction with Ship of Fools Comedy Club Theatre. Vale of Catmose College at 8pm. Admission £7.

Saturday June 13

1940s dance night with Rutland Big Band, raffle, dance class with Paula McKillop and prize for best outfit. Oakham Castle at 7.30pm. Admission £10.

Sunday June 14

Howard Smith and the Razors. The Grainstore at 8.30pm. Admission free.

Tuesday June 16

Screening of Casablanca. Victoria Hall at 8pm. Admission £5.

Wednesday June 17

Music at Lunchtime. All Saints' Church at 1.30pm. Admission free.

Abi Moore performing her own songs and Sixties music with food. Wheatsheaf in Oakham at 7.30pm. Admission £12.

Thursday June 18

Winterreise – Fraser Graham and David McKee in concert. Oakham School Chapel at 7.30pm. Admission £8.

The Beat Club. Grainstore Brewery in Oakham at 8.30pm. Admission free.

Friday June 19

Jazz at the Gallery with Gary Potter and Bill Coleman. Catmose Gallery at 7.30pm. Admission £10 (students £2) from 01572 722286.

Saturday June 20

Jill Daniels concert of the 1940s including a Vera Lynn tribute. All Saints' Church at 8.30pm. Admission £8.

Sunday June 21

Open air production of Wind in the Willows. Oakham Castle grounds at 4pm. Admission £9 (concessions £8 and £5). 01572 758440 or www.rutland.gov.uk/live@themuseum.

Comedy with Alan Seaman and Patrick Monahan. Merry Monk at 8pm. Admission free.

Tuesday June 23

Rutland Concert Band and Melton Male Voice Choir. Oakham Castle at 7.30pm. Admission £5.

Wednesday June 24

Oakham School Chamber Choir with Soraya Vermeulen on harp. All Saints' Church at 1.30pm. Admission free.

Govannen Irish folk band and fantastic food.The Wheatsheaf at 7.30pm. Admission £15.

Thursday June 25

Sky, Death and Wonder. Oakham Castle at 7.30pm. Admission £5.

Friday June 26

Music in the Chapel with the Festival Orchestral Concert. Oakham School Chapel at 7.30pm. Admission free. Tickets from 01572 758820.

Funk Soul Brothers. The Noel Arms, Whitwell at 8pm. Admission free.

Saturday June 27

The Rotary Club of Rutland presents a Young Musicians Showcase and a pre-concert reception. Rutland County Museum at 7pm. Tickets £12, under 16s £8.

Copperhead. The Grainstore at 8.30pm. Admission free.

Sunday June 28

Rutland Belle cruise with Peter Hickin sing-a-long. Whitwell at 6.45pm. Tickets £12 from 01780 460077.

Tuesday June 30

Arts quiz with food by Chad. English Martyrs School a7 7.30pm. Admission £7.

Wednesday July 1

Music at Lunchtime. All Saints' Church at 1.30pm. Admission free.

Big Band Bonanza. Marquee at Kilburn Road at 7.30pm. Tickets £10 from 01572 758820.

Thursday July 2

Big screen karaoke. Merry Monk at 8pm. Entry free

Friday July 3

Rutland's Got Talent final. Vale of Catmose College theatre at 7.30pm. Entry £3.

Saturday July 4

Calligraphy workshop. Rutland County Museum 10.30am until 1pm. Tickets £3.

Sunday July 5

Dr Jane Mackay discusses Nevil Shute before film of On the Beach. Oakham Castle at 7.30pm. Entry £10.