WINCHESTER Festival as announced more names in its 2017 line-up.

The event from July 7-15 will include The Times journalist and author Ben Macintyre as well as acclaimed concert pianist Lucy Parham.

The week-long celebration of the arts, featuring music, talks, drama, visual arts and guided walks in venues across Winchester will celebrate 20 years in 2017.

The completed programme will be available from April 28 and the box office opens in May.

Ben Macintyre, associate editor and columnist at The Times and bestselling author of Agent Zigzag and Mincemeat will talk about his latest book, SAS Rogue Heroes: The Authorised Wartime History – the first ever authorised history of the SAS commemorating the 75th anniversary of the regiment – on July 12 at the Guildhall.

Pianist Lucy Parham will perform one of her acclaimed ‘Composer Portrait’ concerts: Elégie, Rachmaninoff – A Heart in Exile, accompanied by actor Alex Jennings on July 15 at the Theatre Royal.

These new acts join the existing Winchester Festival 2017 line-up which includes foreign correspondent and BBC World Affairs editor, John Simpson, as well as author Joanna Trollope talking about Jane Austen in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of Austen's death.

The music line-up to date includes international violinist Tasmin Little and The EUCO (The European Union Chamber Orchestra), Four Seasons, Elgar Serenade, Haydn Symphony 42, as well as vocal ensemble Voces8.

Festival director, Carol Butler said: “The Winchester Festival’s strength lies in the broad range of its programming, showcasing musicians with an international reputation alongside renowned authors and speakers and giving a platform to exceptionally talented performers from Hampshire.”