THE line-up for the annual 10-day Harwich Festival of the Arts has been announced, with more than 30 live events as well six ‘brand new’ art exhibitions.

The Harwich Festival of the Arts takes place from June 20-30 with the internationally renowned classical pianist Francesco Attesti headlining the festival at St Nicholas' Church on June 30.

The festival will start at the Ebenezer Chapel on Kings Head Street at 6pm with the launch of the art exhibitions followed by comedian Mark Thomas performing at the Electric Palace.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Comedian - Mark Thomas is known as a political comedian and for his Channel 4 The Mark Thomas Comedy Product and BBC Radio 4 Manifesto showsComedian - Mark Thomas is known as a political comedian and for his Channel 4 The Mark Thomas Comedy Product and BBC Radio 4 Manifesto shows (Image: Harwich Festival)

The following day there will be a folk night with the Onion Band at the Harwich Arts and Heritage Centre.

Other events include Bollywood dance workshops, the annual Primary School Community Concert, Ukrainian folk music, and the Sunset Poetry Cruise.

There will be a classical lunchtime concerts, drag at the Electric Palace, the Colne Endeavour Brass Band in Cliff Park, live flamenco dancing, and Essex Rocks in the Park.

There will be an art trail walk on Thursday, June 26, as well Arthur Miller’s classic play The Crucible on June 29.

The festival also will include many workshops, including the Happiness Machine and the Seaside Explorers for children on June 23.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Flamenco - The award winning Lourdes Fernández Flamenco will be at the Festival on June 22Flamenco - The award winning Lourdes Fernández Flamenco will be at the Festival on June 22 (Image: Harwich Festival)

Chris Berwick, general manager at the Harwich Festival said: “We’re really excited to be able to bring such a diverse range of events to the town. There really is something for everyone and we’re proud to work with artists from across Europe as well as local Harwich-based talent.

“We’re always looking for new volunteers. If anyone is interested in getting involved with the fun then please contact the festival.”

The festival is a registered charity which accepts direct donations as well as a ‘friends’ scheme where people get discounts of at least five per cent for events with yearly or three-yearly memberships.

Another way to support the festival is to volunteer.

Most of the events at the Harwich Festival 2024 are free to attend with full details available at www.harwichfestival.com.