It is an event that is stirring a mix of punk, drama, cabaret, classical music and street fun into a heady cocktail of entertainment.
Holt Festival last night unveiled its full line-up for a week in July.
The star names include punk band The Stranglers on their 40th anniversary tour, comics Rich Hall and Ade Edmondson, broadcasters Sandi Toksvig and Melvyn Bragg – along with former Labour deputy leader Roy Hattersley.
Art displays include original work from household names such as Gainsborough, Matisse, Munnings, Epstein, and Rodin.
Local acting legend John Hurt will take part in an experimental work where he delivers a piece of theatre, White Rabbit, Red Rabbit, which is delivered unrehearsed by a different actor every time, who has never seen the script before.
Ade Edmondson's appearance is with the Bad Shepherds band, with their interpretations of punk and new wave anthems in folk influenced style.
Writer comedian and radio and TV broadcaster Sandi Toksvig is in conversation with Chris Gribble, Chief Executive of Writers' Centre Norwich.
Melvyn Bragg goes head to head with committed atheist, evolutionary biologist, and writer Richard Dawkins – a man voted the world's top thinker – in a debate on religion and beliefs.
Roy Hattersley talks about his history of the Devonshires of Chatsworth Hall, a family whose fortunes often mirrored the life of the nation, with former ITN Political Editor Michael Brunson. Acclaimed actress Diana Quick interviews novelist Raffaella Barker, one of Britain's favourite chroniclers of family life.
Anthony Lentin discusses his book about Sir Edgar Speyer, accused of being a German spy at Overstrand during the First World War.
There is also family fun with an afternoon of free street entertainment from top acts from across the Uk and France – and even a stand-up comedy session for children.
Festival director Delaval Astley said: 'I think we've managed to make the festival as broad in scope as it has ever been. This year we have even more events than in any previous year and a programme that promises to attract the largest audience yet.'
For more information visit www.holtfestival.org
For your guide to events in Norfolk and Suffolk, visit the Going Out section of our website www.EDP24.co.uk
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