A popular arts festival returns to one of the country's most popular tourist destinations next weekend, with organisers thanking the town for getting behind the event.

The Southwold Arts Festival began as just an idea between a few friends over a drink in the Blyth Hotel with the aim of bringing the community together and ensuring the arts could be enjoyed by a wider audience.

But it has now blossomed into a packed festival showing the very best in music and entertainment, with a street festival kicking off the celebrations next Saturday (June 25).

After a day of street entertainment, dance, music, stalls and local food, people will then be able to enjoy events,such as an intimate evening with Rick Wakeman, and embark on a walk showing author George Orwell's time in Southwold.

There is also a chance to see poet, playwright and Edinburgh Festival star Luke Wright on Monday, June 27 at 7.30pm, at St Edmund's Hall. And the festival, which runs until Saturday, July 2, will also showcase the very best in upcoming talent, with the young musicians' showcase during lunchtimes at the United Reformed Church giving performers from the area a chance to shine.

Arts festival director Lin Le Versha said she was 'grateful to have an excellent team' of volunteers helping with 'putting together an exciting programme of events but also organising contracts, accommodation, public liability insurance, publicity and ticket sales'.

She added: 'It is important to have a strong, skilled team who work well together.

'The town really gets behind the festival each year and the shops and businesses join in, particularly during the opening street event when there is a parade and entertainers and stalls in the High Street.

'It started as a simple idea and has grown wonderfully ever since but it is an all year round activity. As the festival ends we soon begin planning for the following year.'

All the events for the festival are on www.southwoldartsfestival.co.uk and in the newly-published brochure available at libraries, information points and various shops and businesses in the town. Tickets are available either at the website or at the box office at St Edmunds Hall, Monday to Friday, noon to 3pm. People can also call 01502 722572.