Matthew SparkesThis year marks the eighth anniversary of the Harleston and Waveney Festival, an annual collection of musical and theatrical performances, film showings and workshops, culminating in a fete.Matthew Sparkes

This year marks the eighth anniversary of the Harleston and Waveney Festival, an annual collection of musical and theatrical performances, film showings and workshops, culminating in a fete.

The events take place over the course of a week, starting on Monday, August 24, and are being held in and around the market town at various venues.

Highlights this year include the first performance by Craig Brown and Neil Innes. This comedy duo can list Monty Python, Private Eye, the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band and the Rutles among past outlets for their humour, and are taking to Wingfield College Yard on August 27.

The OperaBabes will be performing a sold-out concert on August 25.

Local author Sarah Bower will be holding a workshop for aspiring authors on August 26 at Harleston Library.

An Evening of World Music in aid of Amnesty International and starring, among others, local author Louis de Berni�res, Gambian drummers and a singer from Sri Lanka, sold out within weeks of tickets going on sale. Demand has been so high that another event is being considered, maybe in November - keep checking the website www.amnesty.org.uk/diss.

Despite the large scale of the festival, this is no professional production. All shows have been booked and arranged entirely by volunteers, and will be staffed by local residents. The event closes on bank holiday Monday with a family fun day on the recreation ground.

More information can be found on the festival website, www.harl estonandwaveneyfestival.co.uk.