The seventh annual festival, which started on Tuesday and runs until August 25, will offer a selection of entertainment, including concerts, literary discussions, street theatre, workshops, a musical supper, a weekend of live music and a family fun day.

Modern classical music duo Rodway And Westcott will perform a lunchtime concert at the church on Wednesday, noon-1pm.

There is a retrospective look at the life and work of Roger Deakin, one of the most individual nature writers of our time, at Wingfield College Yard on Thursday.

The event offers a rare chance to see and hear Deakin's television, radio and written work, with contributions from his writer friends Robert MacFarlane and Mike Hodges.

Author Mark Cocker will be reading some of his work about nature, including Birds Britannnica, which was written with Richard Mabey, at King George Hall next Saturday lunchtime.

Other events on August 23 include an African drumming workshop for children and a historical walk around Harleston.

The festival will culminate with a music weekend and beer festival. An open mike night will take place at The Swan Hotel next Friday, followed by performances from a number of local bands next Saturday and Sunday.

A family fun day on Harleston Recreation Ground with stalls, stock cars, children's entertainment and more will end the festival.

South Norfolk Council has provided street entertainment and a cycling panda to mark the Beijing Olympics. Members of Harleston Town Council and other well-known figures in the town will be joining the fun by getting a soaking in the stocks.

Festival patron and author Terence Blacker said: "This year's festival promises to be better than ever. There is something to appeal to everyone and we hope we will attract visitors from across the country."

For event tickets, call Harleston Bookshop, 01379 855111.