Richard BatsonOpera will take to the streets of Holt this summer - as shoppers find themselves serenaded by strolling singers.Richard Batson

Opera will take to the streets of Holt this summer - as shoppers find themselves serenaded by strolling singers.

A colourful bus painted with the creations of the 'godfather of British pop art' Sir Peter Blake, who has designed iconic album covers for the Beatles. Paul Weller, the Who and Oasis - with the artist himself on board - will also roll into town.

Both events are part of a new Holt Summer Festival being staged in August, with a range of entertainment from classical music, poetry and literature to drama, jazz, and family puppet shows.

Event chairman and artistic director Tony Britten told a launch reception 'festivals are fun, and say a lot about communities and unite them.'

There had been a good response to the first festival, and it was hoped to build on that for future years.

The street events were aimed at 'engaging and intriguing' people in the hope they would attend other events, mainly staged at the Auden Theatre in Gresham's School.

They included singer Elkie Brooks, a one-woman show about music hall singer Marie Lloyd, a talented jazz pianist Gwilym Simcock, stand-up comedy, and a literary lunch with award-winning author Diana Athill.

There are also opera films created by Mr Britten - a writer, composer and director whose work has ranged from a documentary about Gilbert and Sullivan to a production of the Rocky Horror Show, to penning TV jingles and the theme tune to television coverage of the UEFA Champions League.

Festival brochures are now available, including at the box office at Cockertons surveyors in the Market Place, 01263 712635. Or visit the website www.holtfestival.org for the full programme of events.