Jubilee festival line-up revealed in Winchester (From Romsey Advertiser)

Jubilee festival line-up revealed in Winchester

2:02pm Thursday 29th March 2012 in Winchester

AN arts festival to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee has been launched in Winchester.

A series of events have been organised for the Royal landmark and in the run up to the Olympic Games.

The Best of British Festival runs from May 25 to July 26. The launch week features some of the greatest names in British theatre, broadcasting, literature, politics and the military.

Later on there will be music, dancing, street parties, children's activities and a series of ‘foodie’ events and promotions celebrating local produce.

The festival was launched at Winchester Guildhall last Friday.

Festival patron, Dame Judi Dench, said in a statement read to the gathering: “I was delighted to accept the position of patron of the Best of British Festival, as I have so many happy memories of my visits to Winchester in recent years.

“The city council is to be commended for their imaginative decision to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee by presenting the Best of British in celebration of this very special occasion.

“2012 promises to be a memorable year for the nation, and Winchester will be playing a memorable part in the celebrations,” she added.

The launch week programme is: May 25, Any Questions to the Broadcasters, with a four-person panel including Michael Grade May 26, biographer Claire Tomalin on Charles Dickens May 27, Just William Live BBC Radio recording with Martin Jarvis May 28, Field Marshal Lord Vincent, former Chief of the Defence Staff, on his career May 31, The Churchill Letters with Robert Hardy and Celia Sandys, Churchill’s granddaughter June 1, Queens of Crime, PD James and Ruth Rendell, discuss their latest works.

All events are at the Guildhall at 6pm except Just William Live which is at the Theatre Royal at 5.30pm.

Tickets are on sale now from the Theatre Royal Box Office, 01962 840440.