An eclectic mix of internationally renowned jazz, folk, classical and orchestral music, dance, theatre, art and film, has been lined up for a historic Suffolk market town this spring.

An eclectic mix of internationally renowned jazz, folk, classical and orchestral music, dance, theatre, art and film, has been lined up for a historic Suffolk market town this spring.

Organisers are hoping for a bigger and better Bury St Edmunds Festival after announcing a packed programme of acts for the popular annual event, which runs from Friday, May 11, to Sunday, May 27.

The festival, which started as a weekend of highbrow entertainment more than 20 years ago, has expanded and diversified to attract thousands of people over the course of more than two weeks.

Nick Wells, festival manager, said he hoped a mix of “refreshing” and “different” new acts and old favourites for the 22nd annual event would provide something for every taste.

“It has got bigger and bigger every year and over the 22 years we have kept the organ and piano recitals, and developed a strong jazz and folk project, tribute acts, family events and stand-up comedy,” he said.

The festival begins with a free event at the town's Angel Hill on May 11, with a military ceremony by the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas and music from the 400-strong Bury St Edmunds Township Choir and South African jazz band Mbawula.

Other highlights include the return of world-renowned guitarist John Williams on May 24 at St Edmundsbury Cathedral, the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain at the Abbey Gardens on May 12, and the Philharmonia Orchestra at the cathedral on May 23.

New acts this year will include performances from the King's Singers choral group at St Mary's Church on May 18, jazz from the Tord Gustavsen Trio at the cathedral on May 11, and the band from the 1991 film The Commitments on May 25.

Mr Wells added that weekday lunchtime concerts, organ recitals, festival walks and talks, pre-event suppers, a kite-flying festival, a flower and continental market, and touring theatre were also scheduled during the 17-day programme.

Tickets go on sale on Monday, February 26. For more information, call 01284 757099 or visit www.buryfestival.co.uk. To book, call the Theatre Royal box office on 01284 769505.