Ian Mantel, one of the project directors, said: “We decided this year to build on the success of Debenham Music Day and provide an opportunity to showcase all the amazing talent that we have in and around the village.

“We have some interesting guest appearances to help kick start this exciting local event.”

Leading an impressive literary line-up is best-selling author Hilary Mantel, who will be reading from her new book Wolf Hall, which has been tipped for The Booker Prize. The reading takes place at 4.30pm on Saturday, July 11, in St Mary Magdalene Church.

Also appearing will be Tessa West, Gwyn Guy, Sheila Hardy, Natalie Williams and others. Events will include readings, workshops and a literary lunch.

The line-up for Sunday Music Day, on July 12, will include a mix of folk, indie, jazz, rock, blues and acoustic music.

Running from noon until 10.30pm, there will be ten acts on the main stage and nine on the acoustic stage, with the legendary Buster James Band closing the festival.

Other music events will include a band contest, Battle for a Cure 2009 in aid of cancer research and organised by the young musicians in the community, a family ceilidh, street performers, morris dancers and performances in the village pubs in the evenings.

There will also be drama from local theatre groups, art workshops and installations, including life drawing classes, and the exciting Big Draw where participants will be asked to sketch the village with the work exhibited around the village as it is created.

Further information on the festival website:

WebWatch:

www.debenhamartsfestival.co.uk