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From June to August each year, the majestic Greek island of Corfu plays host to the International Festival. Created to demonstrate the rich local heritage of the island, its main events are known as the 'Ionian Concerts' and are a series of music productions designed to mix the traditional music of the islands with more contemporary sounds from Greece and further afield. Expect to see local choirs and philharmonic orchestras rubbing shoulders with modern jazz and swing musicians. The variety of music on offer means that, no matter what your musical tastes, you're guaranteed to find something you can enjoy.

The festival takes place at a number of historic locations across the island, including a nineteenth century basilica built to resemble an ancient Greek temple, and a Venetian fort that was itself built on the remains of a Byzantine castle. The main venue is the Ionian Academy. Originally built as an army barracks, the impressive building is now an incredible performance space with excellent acoustics. In between performances you have a chance to explore the beauty of the island itself, from its quaint cobbled streets and enchanted olive groves to the tranquil beaches with their crystal clear waters.

If you prefer to enjoy your music with a glass of wine, then make sure you visit the Art Cafe. Situated within the gardens of the Palace of Saint Michael in the town square, the cafe is decorated with evocative art nouveau paintings and furniture. It also holds a balcony with incredible views of the sea, and contains plants and trees brought over by the British in the early nineteenth century.

Corfu has always had a rich musical tradition. In The Odyssey Homer refers to a brilliant singer called Dimodoko who sang in honour of Ulysses. Ever since, music has been held as the most celebrated of the arts on the island. A love of music is part of every aspect of local life, and is even said to be responsible for the sing-song accent of the locals. The International Festival brings this tradition bang up to date. Running alongside the festival is an international music meeting called the 'Summer Academy' where famous musicians gather to teach students from America, Europe and the Far East, as well as Greece itself. Flights to Corfu are available from a selection of UK airports. Grab this rare chance to get caught up in this incredible celebration of music!