Rural Arts Wiltshire (RAW) has launched its biggest ever season with theatre, music, story telling, puppetry and dance events taking place in 44 villages across the county between January and June.

Workshops and performances are taking place in villages as far apart as Oaksey in the north, Redlynch in the south, Winsley in the west and Shalbourne in the east giving plenty of people the chance to enjoy a professional arts event in a rural venue.

"This Rural Arts Wiltshire season brings the widest range of professional arts events ever to rural communities throughout Wiltshire," said Nicholas Keyworth, artistic director of RAW.

"Additional funding from Arts Council England, South West, combined with support from the four district councils and Wiltshire County Council has enabled us to expand the scheme to benefit more rural communities."

For music lovers, there will be legendary guitarist Gordon Giltrap, famous for his hit single Heartsong, violinist Beverley Davison, described as the Dawn French of the violin, and the quintet Cellorhythmics, which combines the virtuosity of Jacqueline du Pre with the quirky energy of Frank Zappa.

The curtain will rise on some great theatre too, including Watermill Theatre's The Comedian, the Life of Moliere by Talia Theatre and Yes, We Have No Bananas, by Bristol-based Ministry of Entertainment.

For families and children, Cornelius and Jones will present the Snow Queen, Multistory Theatre tells the tale of the Magician's Daughter and everyone will need to take a soft toy along to see Dude, Where's My Teddy Bear.

For more information about the programme and RAW call (01249) 701628.