STOWMARKET: An exciting mix of artists have been added to the bill for what promises to be one of the best new arts events in Suffolk this summer.

The first Stowmarket Festival will be held at the end of May and will run into early June, with 11 days of music, theatre, comedy and parkour displays.

There will also be exhibitions featuring the work of a range of local artists and events will be held at locations throughout the town.

The festival will make use of the Corn Exchange, which is set to be transformed into the John Peel Centre for Creative Arts, dedicated to the popular DJ who lived near the town.

One of the highlights of the festival is expected to be an appearance from the London Sinfonietta, a renowned contemporary chamber orchestra that will be holding a Surf and Turf workshop and concert at the Museum of East Anglian Life.

Musicians will work with youngsters over a four-day period to put together new music that will then be performed at the museum on Sunday May 30.

Also on the bill is a comedy night at the refurbished Regal Theatre, while the event will also embrace the well-established StowFest music event.

This year StowFest will boast an acoustic first day before a collection of top local bands take to the stage on the Recreation Ground.

Daniel Harvey, town council public services manager and one of the organising team for the festival, said: “Our one-day festival, StowFest, is now part of something much bigger.

“Stowmarket Festival is a new 11 day festival that will run from Thursday, May 27 until Sunday, June 6 and will feature all sorts of arts and entertainment based events and activities taking place around Stowmarket.

“We hope that there will be something in the festival programme for everyone and we truly believe that this is the start of something that will grow and grow in future years.”

The festival will also feature a Music in the Marketplace session, with the East Anglian Traditional Music Trust, as well as a blues concert and underage rock night.

For more details about the events and for a full festival listing, visit the event’s website at www.stowmarket festival.co.uk.