The vibrant culture of south Norfolk is being celebrated with a summer festival of the arts whose packed programme of events has just been unveiled. Local and international performers will be appearing at venues across the district, from heritage sites to visitor attractions, stately homes and countryside locations.

The vibrant culture of south Norfolk is being celebrated with a summer festival of the arts whose packed programme of events has just been unveiled.

Local and international performers will be appearing at venues across the district, from heritage sites to visitor attractions, stately homes and countryside locations.

The diverse mix of entertainment, including live music, comedy, outdoor theatre, opera, dance, enactments and art exhibitions is expected to have audiences enthralled from May right through to September.

'This festival is not only fantastic for our residents and visitors to south Norfolk, but will also give local B and Bs, pubs, restaurants and shops a boost too,' said Michelle Monck, South Norfolk cabinet member for tourism, heritage, enterprise, culture and customer focus.

'It's a brilliant way to bring people and families together and with over 80 events, many of which are free to attend, there's sure to be something for all ages and interests. We hope everyone will enjoy the festival, experience something new and have some fun.'

Working closely with local community groups and existing festivals, the council has organised a variety of events ranging from dramatic fire sculptures in Brockdish and a celebration of Abraham Lincoln's bicentenary in Hingham, to a Gum Boot Steam Up, with the Black Umfolosi 5.

The spectacular all singing and dancing act from South Africa will perform to the backdrop of working steam engines in Forncett St Mary.

Also not to be missed is the Midsummer Chillax on June 20, at Whitlingham Country Park, where people can enjoy live music, theatre, artistic installations, sand sculptures and a walk through a colour dome.

An orchestral performance from the City of London Sinfonia of The Lark Ascending, on May 22 at Dunston Hall, will officially launch the festival, closely followed by two fun-filled family friendly events giving people a perfect reason to spend the end of May bank holiday in south Norfolk

For more information and to download a brochure visit: www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/festival, or visit the council website and click onto forthcoming events.