An eagerly anticipated coastal festival has announced its first line-up.

Southwold Art Festival, after a year of planning, will be taking place between June 28 and July 5.

Sponsored by Adnams, the festival will include appearances from the Operababes and Andrew Marr.

The Operababes are Karen England and Rebecca Knight, who have performed in venues including the Royal Albert Hall, and performing in front of global TV audiences at the finals of the FA Cup and the Champions League.

Andrew Marr will be hosting a talk about his work and also be signing copies of his recent book ‘A Short Book About Drawing’.

Vin Garbutt, winner of the Best Live Act at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards will also be performing as well as world-renowned violinist Tasmin Little.

Southwold mayor Simon Tobin, who is also chairman of the festival planning group said: “This will be very much an event that not only involves the whole community but which will include artists of an international reputation.

“Although the Festival team is organising and underwriting a number of events, others are being organised independently by other local groups and organisations.

“Our aim is to bring art in its many forms to a wide audience including local people and visitors to the town.”

The main venue for the festival will be St Edmunds Hall although other town centre venues will also be used including St Edmunds Church.

The planning group are also hoping to have activities throughout the town from the town centre and the common down to the harbour and the pier.

Chris Ure, Vice-Chairman of the Group said: “The team are all volunteers and although the Festival is sponsored by Adnams and supported by both Southwold Town Council and Suffolk County Council all the events will need to be self-funding.

“It is a major investment for the town and so far it has been very enthusiastically supported by the local community. There is a real sense that everyone wants it to succeed.”

The festival planning group are also looking to apply for charitable status.

Tickets for the events at the festival are on sale from www.southwoldartsfestival.co.uk now or by phone on 07554 585580 from Monday.