Music, chat, comedy and mind-reading will all feature at one of north Norfolk's most famous arts events, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

Norwich Evening News: Lord Paddy Ashdown will appear at this year's Holt Festival. Picture: COURTESY OF THE HOLT FESTIVALLord Paddy Ashdown will appear at this year's Holt Festival. Picture: COURTESY OF THE HOLT FESTIVAL (Image: Archant)

The Holt Festival, which runs July 21 to 29, will include appearances by comedian Jasper Carrott, chart-topping singer Leo Sayer and political pacesetter Lord Paddy Ashdown.

Among the other acts already announced include the Tom Baxter Band, Two Pianos: Heart of Stone, tenor James Gilchrist and pianist Lucy Parham.

Stash Kirkbride, artistic director, said: 'I hope this initial selection of acts gives a taste of our intentions for this year.

'I have tried to add new elements to the programme while retaining all the ingredients that people have come to expect from this wonderful festival.

Norwich Evening News: Jo Harrop will perform at this year's Holt Festival. Picture: COURTESY OF THE HOLT FESTIVALJo Harrop will perform at this year's Holt Festival. Picture: COURTESY OF THE HOLT FESTIVAL (Image: Archant)

'I can't wait to tell the world about the full programme in April with more big names to announce alongside acts that I think will become firm favourites in the future.'

Adney Payne, festival trustee chairman, said: 'We can rest assured that the full programme won't disappoint when revealed in all its glory at the end of April, which will also include international art exhibitions, drama and children's events.'

Carrott, who had to pull out of a planned appreance at last year's festival after a health scare, said: 'I'm really pleased to be coming to Holt after the unavoidable disappointment of last year's cancellation. I've been told what a lovely setting the Theatre in the Woods is and it's a thrill to be invited to fill it with laughter and music for the closing concert.'

Also returning to the festival will be mind-reader Colin Cloud, who created such a stir at the 2016 event before going on to conquer the Edinburgh Fringe and the 2017 Royal Variety Performance.

Norwich Evening News: Jasper Carrott will perform at this year's Holt Festival. Picture: COURTESY OF THE HOLT FESTIVALJasper Carrott will perform at this year's Holt Festival. Picture: COURTESY OF THE HOLT FESTIVAL (Image: Archant)

And the Jo Harrop Jazz Quintet will pay tribute to Peggy Lee, who became one of the jazz world's sultriest singers, by performing some of her most-loved hits such as Fever and Why Don't you Do Right. Also playing will be the Matt Wates Jazz Band, who will be joined by the London-based singer Liz Fletcher.

Tickets for the early shows go on sale to friends, ambassadors and sponsors on February 26 then on general sale on March 12. For more details of the event, which is sponsored by Norfolk Country Cottages, visit www.holtfestival.org.

Norwich Evening News: Colin Cloud will perform at this year's Holt Festival. Picture: MICHAEL GRAHAM/COURTESY OF THE HOLT FESTIVALColin Cloud will perform at this year's Holt Festival. Picture: MICHAEL GRAHAM/COURTESY OF THE HOLT FESTIVAL (Image: Archant)

Norwich Evening News: Stash Kirkbride is artistic director of this year's Holt Festival. Picture: RACHEL WRIGHTStash Kirkbride is artistic director of this year's Holt Festival. Picture: RACHEL WRIGHT (Image: Archant)