When we think of Sanremo we always think of two things: flowers and music. More than 50 years have passed since the first and only Italian song festival was held there. Its melodies have passed into history and are still whistled all over Italy and successes such as "Nel blu dipinto di blu" are a phenomenon of world tradition.

Moved from the doll’s house Teatro del Casino the Festival is now held at the Teatro Ariston that between February to March each year - as all over the city – is the meeting point for thousands of fans and followers dedicated to following VIPs and singers. But the Song Festival is just part of Sanremo’s year-round passion for music. Most popular are its concerts of live music; the squares, the alleyways in the historic town centre, the gardens, and beaches, particularly throughout the summer, where the strains of jazz, blues and country not forgetting rock and ethnic music resound in a programme for all ages and tastes.

The great spectacle of the Music Festival is in June when hordes of groups, choirs and soloists throng the city’s streets and clubs. Music at Sanremo also includes Song Writers with the Tenco Prize, and in November an appointment for fellow musicians, new Italian talent and the stage for poetry set to music. Held regularly at the Teatro dell’Opera del Casino at Sanremo is the Symphony Orchestra’s all year round classical music programme together with the operas that the same orchestra’s Foundation offers.