A fantastic opportunity for Suffolk schoolchildren to learn a love of classical music is being provided by Ipswich Borough Council with the offer of thousands of free tickets to a top summer event.

Katherine Jenkins, one of the greatest voices in the world, is coming to Christchurch Park in July with the National Symphony Orchestra as one of the highlights of the Ip-art Ipswich Arts Festival.

And organisers want youngsters to experience this living legend at first hand. Councillor Bryony Rudkin, the Borough's new Leisure portfolio-holder, said: "We are offering young people under 14 the chance to come to this concert absolutely free as long as they are accompanied by a paying adult. We are going to schools to tell them of the offer and encourage pupils to come and enjoy Katherine. Suffolk schools already have a great musical reputation and we are sure this will be a popular offer."

The open air concert is being staged by Envy Productions, whose director ,Clare Trickett , said: "We think this is a great idea and will bring one of the most popular singers in the world close to youngsters in Ipswich and Suffolk.

Tickets can be collected upon purchase of an adult ticket from the Regent Theatre box office or by telephoning 01473 433100. Please state the school and year of your child when booking.

This offer is available until Friday 10th June 2011.  Offer subject to availability