POET Laureate Carol Ann Duffy and singer songwriter Billy Bragg are to perform at a Hampshire festival this summer.

The enchanting and immersive Curious Arts Festival takes place at Pylewell Park, New Forest, Hampshire July 22-24 and the full programme has now been announced.

A celebration of talent from the worlds of literature, music, comedy, film and the visuals arts, the festival will include performances by literary icon Carol Ann Duffy including a special children’s event, and by Billy Bragg who will play on the music stage on the Saturday night.

There will also be a weekend-long Sonnet-a-thon launched by playwright Polly Stenham to mark the 400 year anniversary of Shakespeare’s death.

This year’s prize-winning and best-selling authors span adult and child audiences and the packed programme of literature talks and workshops will include sessions with Deborah Moggach (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel), SJ Watson (Before I Go to Sleep, Second Life), Stephen Kelman (Pigeon English), Andrea Wulf, Simon Toyne, Piers Torday, Louisa Young, DBC Pierre, Meg Rossoff, Max Porter, Gerad Kite, Andrew Miller, Jill Dawson and acclaimed newcomers Joanna Cannon and Renee Knight.

Carol Ann Duffy will be collaborating with talented musician and composer John Sampson for a performance of poetry and music on Saturday afternoon. She will also perform for younger festivalgoers on the Sunday based on her 2008 book The Princess’ Blankets as part of an exciting, stimulating children’s programme across the weekend.

Join acclaimed writers in a weekend-long Sonnet-a-thon to mark the 400 year anniversary of Shakespeare’s death

Polly Stenham, the English playwright (That Face, Royal Court, National Theatre) will lead a line up of authors and performers in reading all 154 of Shakespeare’s sonnets over the course of the weekend. Festival-goers will be invited to sign up online to take part in this event in honour of England’s most famous literary figure.

Music will be by former Bombay Bicycle Club vocalist Lucy Rose, super cool ICA stalwarts HMS Sweet Charity, and Gus Robertson (lead guitarist for Razorlight) who will be curating a stellar line up of bands, DJs and performance artists on the Friday night. On Saturday July 23 Billy Bragg will headline a second night of music presented by Communion Music (founded by Ben Lovett of Mumford & Sons and Kevin Jones of Bear’s Den).

The comedy tent boasts children’s and teen favourite James Campbell and the lightening-quick, improv troupe The Noise Next Door who are set for another Edinburgh Festival sell out run. Whimsical, observational stand up Chris Martin and rave reviewed Lloyd Griffiths will also join Live At the Apollo star Zoe Lyons, and BBC Radio 4 host Simon Evans among others.

Festival visitors are welcome to pitch a tent and stay in the beautiful grounds of Pylewell Park during the festival – this is included in the weekend ticket price. For those who want that added touch of luxury, fabulous glamping options (www.bluebelltents.com) ensure enjoyment of the festival in comfort and style or Tangerine Fields will pitch a tent for you to be ready on arrival. (www.tangerinefields.co.uk)

The Curious Arts Festival at Pylewell Park, 22nd-24th July (Friday to Sunday). For details of the many events taking place visit: www.curiousartsfestival.com

Tickets can be purchased online at https://billetto.co.uk/en/events/curious-arts-festival-2016/tickets and via the Curious Arts Festival website.

Children 13 and under free of charge