Sixties rhythm and blues legend Georgie Fame, soul and gospel singer Mica Paris, and celebrated comedian and writer Barry Cryer will be some of the highlights of 2018's Southwold Arts Festival, it was announced.

Mr Fame and Ms Paris will bookend the festival, which is scheduled to run for eight days between Saturday, June 23 and Saturday, June 30, with shows on the opening and closing nights.

Fans of Radio 4's I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue will be treated to an evening of comedy and reflection from long-time panellist and writer Barry Cryer alongside show pianist Colin Sell on June 29.

Other comedy on show will include Colin Elmer's celebration of Kenneth Williams' life.

Elmer, who played Williams in the 50th anniversary tour of 'Round the Horne', will use Williams own words through anecdotes, writing, and material to tell his story on June 26.

For the more esoterically minded Andy McConnell, a regular expert on Antiques Roadshow and the runner of Britain's largest antique and vintage glass shop, will discuss the history of wine and the vessels used for drinking it.

The actor Terry Molloy, who plays Mike Tucker in the Archers and the creator of all Daleks, Davros, in Doctor Who, will also make an appearance on June 25.

There will also be music from Southwold-based musician Nathan Williamson who will join five other pianists on stage for a mix of classical and contemporary music in 'Piano Circus', and from Ben Savage and Hannah Sanders, and 'Jazz at the Movies' with Joanna Eden.

Local heritage will also have centre stage with talks from the chairman of the Southwold Railway Trust and Ian White on 'Zeppelins over East Anglia'.

Festival director Lin Le Versha said: 'The programme is a year in the planning and we search far and wide for a range of entertainment to suit all tastes.

'This year we are bringing some top names to the festival, but we are also showcasing new and innovative events.'

Deputy festival director Di Brown added: 'We have managed to find some unusual and fascinating talks.

'They include Sophie Kingshill exploring the East Anglian legend of mermaids and micro-artist Graham Short, who has engraved the Lord's Prayer on a pin head, and Da Vinci's Last Supper on the edge of a razor blade.'

Tickets will be on sale from March 1, and can be purchased at www.southwoldartsfestival.co.uk.