People are being invited to find out more about an autumn arts extravaganza celebrating Norfolk talent at a special launch event on Monday.

The Hostry Festival is returning to Norwich Cathedral for the third year this October with a packed programme full of drama, music, art and more, including a headline production of Ibsen's A Doll's House.

The event will run from October 24 to November 3, and at the launch event, visitors can meet some of the people behind the festival and also find out how they can join the 100-strong team of volunteers.

Artistic director Stash Kirkbride said: 'It will be a really lovely evening launching the festival, giving a taster of what is on offer this year, and highlighting some of the 22 events. People will be able to meet some of the performers and also the patrons and sponsors.

'The night is also a chance for people who might want to volunteer to find out more. We are always looking for people to do front of house, meet and greet, and give out programmes. There are also opportunities for backstage volunteer work and production assistants, and helping with set building. We are also looking for people to be on hand to represent the My Norfolk art exhibition, which lasts for 10 days over the festival.'

At Monday's launch, a short film about the 2013 festival will be shown and there will be interviews with some of the people involved in this year's event. A model of the set design for A Doll's House will be on display, and Total Ensemble Theatre Company will be giving a performance. There will also be piano music by Veronica Haro.

This year's highlights include: the Norfolk Arts Awards; Starlings on the Green by Hamilton Wilson (a new piece of writing based on the themes of Ibsen's play); a Norfolk Authors in Profile event with Rose Tremain and Louis de Bernières among the guests; a My Norfolk exhibition celebrating the county in visual art; and a Chamber Orchestra Anglia concert.

The launch at Norwich Cathedral's Hostry is 7pm-10pm on Monday. It is free to attend but people need to book a ticket in advance by calling the festival's box office on 01603 598676. For more information visit www.hostryfestival.org.