AMID tumultuous recession, swine flu hysteria and political scandals, the world is crying out for old-fashioned common sense and values.

The enduring magic of Gilbert and Sullivan's light opera offers a touch of that – traditional family entertainment to wash away recession blues and take us back to a better place.

Ian Smith, founder and artistic director of the festival, believes that the credit crunch is driving people back to some old-fashioned values which include a family night out at the theatre.

"We all need some of that feel-good factor," he said, "and it doesn't come much better than that quintessentially British theatrical duo, Gilbert and Sullivan."

The festival attracts visitors from all over the world. In recent years there have been full-scale productions from companies travelling from as far afield as Japan, Australia, South Africa and North America.

"Gilbert and Sullivan is for all the family," said Ian. "It's fun and it's friendly. There isn't a festival like ours anywhere in the world. Imagine – one festival, 28 performances and nearly 2,000 people performing or working back stage. It really is a mammoth achievement.

"And who says G&S is past its sell-by date? The age of our audiences is dropping. Next year the festival will launch a Special Youth Festival week featuring productions from youth groups and schools. I am delighted to report that we already have groups queuing up to show their talent and highlight Britain's most revered theatrical partnership of all time."

Gilbert and Sullivan refers to the Victorian era partnership of librettist W. S. Gilbert (1836-1911) and composer Arthur Sullivan (1842-1900). The two men collaborated on 14 comic operas between 1871 and 1896, of which HMS Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance and The Mikado are among the best-known.

The fact that their work has endured to this day bears testament to their talents – and Buxton's G&S festival honours that. This year the entire G&S repertoire will be presented at the festival at Buxton Opera House from August 1-22.

Established in 1994 by enthusiasts Ian Smith and son Neil, the festival has gone from strength to strength, attracting thousands of visitors. Ian and Neil had one simple goal – to enhance the knowledge and understanding of Gilbert and Sullivan and ensure that this quintessentially British entertainment continued to flourish.

They certainly appear to have achieved that. The festival runs for three weeks each summer and the highlight is an international competition which attracts groups from around the world performing for a range of prestigious awards.

The Western Australia G&S Society, St Anne's of Toronto and the Light Opera of New York are among those making their way to Buxton this year.

In addition to the competing productions there are a range of professional performances every weekend. The festival's own Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company will perform four new productions this year, HMS Pinafore; Trial by Jury, Princess Ida and The Pirates of Penzance.

As if that wasn't enough, the Festival Fringe provides dawn 'til dusk G&S. All in all there are around 70 events. With master classes, performances and comedy, there is an array of G&S favourites to keep the most dedicated follower spoilt for choice.

Next week Qt shines the spotlight on Derby Operatic Society's contributiont to the festival.

THE 16TH INTERNATIONAL GILBERT AND SULLIVAN FESTIVAL

WHERE: Buxton Opera House.

WHEN: From tomorrow until August 22.

INFORMATION: For a full programme of events, visit www.gs-festival.co.uk.

BOX OFFICE: To book tickets call 08451 272190.