READING like a literary Who’s Who, many of the UK’s most celebrated authors will descend on the New Forest next month.

They join big names in comedy and a stellar music line up of guitar greats and hotly tipped new talent at The Curious Arts Festival.

This boutique festival takes place at Pylewell Park, New Forest, July 17-19.

From bestsellers and book club favourites, the line up includes writers of thrillers, history, crime, art, poetry, history, and nature.

Together with children’s writers such as Piers Torday and journalists like Kirsty Lang this eccentric literary garden party promises something for all culturally minded kids and adults of all tastes and ages.

Literary bestsellers include: David Nicholls, author of One Day and Us, Jojo Moyes, author of Me Before You and The One Plus One, SJ Watson author of phenomenon Before I Go To Sleep on his latest novel Second Life, Matt Haig on his new book Reasons To Stay Alive, John Niven and Patrick Gale.

Other literary luminaries include Esther Freud, Polly Samson and Sarah Hall.

Musically, emerging artists bursting on to the UK music scene will rub shoulders with some of rock’s elder statesmen.

Hampshire Chronicle: Comedian Mark Watson.

Rapper George the Poet brings his unique street savvy verse, alongside the front men from Razorlight, Phil Manzanera from Roxy Music and John Illsley from Dire Straits on Saturday.

Also performing are indie rock quintet Amber Run, whose debut album 5am went straight into the UK album chart this month.

The comedy line up includes stars of TV and radio Mark Watson, Lucy Porter, Richard Herring and Simon Evans.

Other curiosities include writing and poetry workshops, life drawing, storytelling for adults and children, bat walks, poetry workshops, puppet theatre making, mind reading, contortionists, breathing lessons and an Alice in Wonderland Tea Party.

The festival is also a chance to tour the private grounds of the house with 100 acres of pleasure gardens right on the Solent.

Tickets are available at curiousartsfestival.com at £120 (family tickets £300).