THIS weekend, one of Dorset’s best kept musical secrets, the Burton Bradstock Festival, welcomes a host of internationally acclaimed musicians for a series of concerts of folk, jazz and classical music.

The music starts on August 14 with an afternoon tea party in the Rectory Gardens followed by Festival Evensong in the beautiful St Mary’s Church in Burton Bradstock.

On Monday, August 15, the mesmerising trio, Kosmos, return to the festival with their unique blend of Gypsy, Klezmer and tango music. The following night the legendary jazz vocalist Tina May will transport the audience to the streets of Paris for an evening of Edith Piaf songs.

May, hailed by critics as one of the greatest living jazz singers, will be accompanied by pianist David Gordon, bassist Sandy Burnett and a young star who has formed a very strong bond with the festival, the virtuoso accordionist, Milos Milivojevic.

Milos first performed as a student in Burton Bradstock in 2007 and has returned every year since.

On completing his studies, as a Serbian national he had to apply leave to remain in the UK. Despite a burgeoning career both in this country and abroad, and prizes in international competitions, the young musician was devastated when his application was turned down.

The festival’s director, David Juritz, recalled what happened next.

David said: “When they heard that Milos might have to depart from these shores the village’s response was, ‘not if we can help it!’.”

Letters were written and a benefit concert raised thousands to help with legal fees and to help Milos buy a new accordion to replace his ageing instrument.

After a three year battle, earlier this year Milos was granted permanent residence and was able to travel to Italy to collect that new accordion.

At 6pm on August 16, there will be an hour of music, chat and celebration as Milos shows the village and visitors ‘their’ accordion.