A ‘HERO’S welcome’ awaits a Syrian musician when he arrives in Oxford tomorrow after the Home Office u-turned on its decision to block his visa request.

Ibrahim Keivo will open the Oxford Chamber Music Festival at the Sheldonian Theatre after more than 40,000 people signed a petition calling for him to be allowed in.

The singer and oud player, who lives in Germany, had been denied a five day working visa because the Home Office said they hadn’t received evidence showing his job could not be done by a British person.

Festival Director Priya Mitchell said: “He waited outside the embassy for four hours and then sent me a picture of the visa in his passport and a very happy message.

“The support he has received has been very heartwarming.

“He has long been part of our plans so we are delighted.

“We will give him a hero’s welcome.”

Mr Keivo will also perform in three other concerts as part of the festival which runs from tomorrow until Sunday.

He said: “I would like to thank all those who voted in order to give me a visa to enter the UK and be able to participate in your beautiful festival.

“I hope to meet them all and thank them individually.”