Celebration of music and arts

London based mezzo Rhonda Browne will return to her roots in Havelock North for a performance at St Columba's Church tonight from 7pm. Photo / Supplied

Actors and musicians who have performed on stages around the world are returning to where it all began.

Former Havelock North High School pupils will flock home to celebrate the school's 40th birthday in style - and raise money for a new auditorium while they're at it.

A grand festival and reunion will run from today until next Sunday, showcasing nationally and internationally recognised artists, musicians, actors and writers.

An art exhibition will stay put for a month at Hastings Community Arts Centre while former drama teacher Ken Keys is running four variety shows featuring current and former students.

"I taught there for nearly 20 years. I had a wonderful time - I was able to do my bit for drama in the school," Mr Keys said.

"Music was strong, arts was strong and we have a terrific production line of talent."

Acclaimed mezzo Rhonda Browne will sing a "special solo" tonight during a concert featuring opera, art songs and comedy at St Columba's Church from 7pm - tickets are $20 on the door.

The opera singer's passion began in the NZ Youth Choir - she later moved to London to pursue a solo career - and found success as she gained prominent lead roles.

Concerts and Cocktails will launch next Friday from 6pm at the school auditorium, with a matinee on Saturday, 1pm and another performance at 6pm.

Among the line-up is Holly Ewens - one half of folktronica duo Rosy Tin Teacaddy, solo acoustic guitarist Ben Fulton, and singer/songwriter Thomas Oliver.

There will be some lively Black Box Theatre in the Drama Room on Friday from 6pm, and a matinee on Saturday from 11am.

Audiences can expect a fast-paced, entertaining menu of theatricality, with the likes of award winning actor Chris Brougham, vastly experienced Hawke's Bay performers Lisa-Jane Easter and Daniel Betty, as well as Amie Bentall, an ex-HabYT lead-actress studying drama and directing at Auckland University and Andrew Clarke - who made a name for himself at the Wellington Young and Hungry Festival.

-For more information, see: hnhsartsfestival.school.nz