The Locrian Ensemble will perform music from Nelson's time, dressed in period costume, at the town's Athenaeum to kick off the Georgian Gem festival, which runs until September 21.

In preparation for the festival, youngsters took on historic role playing when the summer school put on The Dream, written by Joanna Baillie in 1812.

They also gave costumed tours of the theatre, while families were invited to take a look behind the scenes to see a Georgian set, try out a wind machine and try on Georgian clothes.

The festival itself will feature delights including Regency dance classes, food tasting at the restored Malthouse, in Elsey's Yard, off Risbygate Street, and guided tours.

There will be a talk by historian Pat Murrell entitled Small Beer on Thursday at the Malthouse, with tea and cakes made to an historic recipe. The event starts at 7pm and tickets cost £3.50, from 01284 732550.

Ickworth House, once home to the Bristol family, is also joining in the fun, with a Georgian weekend on September 13 and 14, complete with a military encampment by the 95th Rifle Regiment.

Colin Blumenau, director of the Theatre Royal, said: "It is very exciting to bring all these aspects together. There is going to be a huge variety of events going on. We hope to re-introduce people to the architecture and history of Georgian Bury."

A performance of Wives as they Are, Maids as they Were, by Georgian playwright Elizabeth Inchbald, is also running at the Theatre Royal from Tuesday to September 20.

For more details about the festival, visit www.theatreroyal.org/ georgiangem

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