The line-up for this year's Halesworth Arts Festival has been announced, with 22 events spread over 15 days.

The festival is now in its 14th year and attracts audiences from all over the country, who travel to Halesworth to see top quality artists perform in intimate surroundings.

And headlining this year is The Swingles, Dillie Keane, the Demon Barbers and David Gower, offering something for all tastes.

The festival kicks off on Saturday, October 10, with Shir, who will be performing a diverse range of music from the Jewish Diaspora and the Land of Israel. It concludes on Sunday, October 25, with Demon Barbers XL, who will be returning to the concert stage with a new repertoire, extra band members and a modern twist to their multi-award winning roadshow.

All events will be held at the New Cut Arts Centre except for Glories of Venice on Saturday, October 24, which will be presented at St Mary's Church in Halesworth.

Matthew Wetmore, one of the organisers, said: 'This is the 14th year of this wildly successful festival – the biggest of its kind in the area. There are 22 events over 15 days, including several daytime shows.

'Among the highlights is the return of the Swingles – still one of the original and greatest a capella groups in the world, Dillie Keane, founder of Fascinating Aida, is presenting her new one woman show and Dickens Abridged - a non-stop romp through all of the great man's works - arrives direct from the Edinburgh Festival.

'The acclaimed young Chinese born pianist Ji Liu will be giving a recital and there is more classical music from the Aquarelle Guitar Quartet as well as Cellophony, an eight piece cello ensemble.

'Legendary cricketer David Gower will be in conversation with Simon Barnes and one of the original Liverpool poets Brian Patten will give us an evening all his own. And two festival patrons, Julia Blackburn will discuss her new book with the actress Diana Quick.'

Other events include a silent movie, a Venice-themed choral concert and a harp duet.

Mr Wetmore added: 'People come from all over the country to the north Suffolk market town, at an otherwise quiet time of year. Audience numbers have grown year on year and the festival now has a large regular following of people who look forward to the October festival fortnight.

'We're hoping to expand this with an event for children Telling Stories, in the half-term week immediately afterwards.'

The festival is a non-profit making charity organised by volunteers and its patrons include Bernard Hill, Maggi Hambling and Kenneth Sillito.

Tickets can be booked online at www.halesworthartsfestival.org.uk, by post, by phone on 01986 874264 or in person at the The Cut box office.

The full line-up can also be found on the website.