Opera of the highest quality will be coming to Rugby in the summer when the English National Opera spends two days in the town.

The gala performances will take place at Rugby School on 31 August and 1 September. They had been planned to take place last year, but were cancelled because of a fire in the school.

The event, organised by Rugby’s Town Centre Partnership and Centre Stage Promotions will see a charity cricket match on The Close kick the event off, followed by two one-hour performances in the Temple Room.

In between the shows opera-goers will be able to have dinner in the town. Marquees will be erected to supply refreshments during the day.

One will be open to the general ticket holders, while the other will be dedicated to local businesses which are supporting the event.

Robin Richter, Town Centre Manager said:

“We are delighted to have attracted the English national Opera for this occasion, which will deliver a full orchestra and two of its world-class principal soloists.

“We would have run this event last year but for a fire in the Temple Speech Room.

“I hope the people of Rugby will support these performances.”

Peter Crook, musical director at Rugby School, added:

“We were so disappointed we couldn’t go ahead with the event last year, but we are now all very excited about the fact that we have attracted the ENO, which must rank as one of the best in the world.”