CELEBRITY food writer Prue Leith, bestselling author Jeffrey Archer and historian David Starkey are among the speakers at this year’s Oxford Festival of the Arts.

The festival, which runs from Friday, June 21 to Sunday, July 7, is hosted and organised by Magdalen College School and takes place at its site in East Oxford and at other venues across the city.

Other speakers include Strictly Come Dancing star Anton du Beke and former rugby captain Sam Warburton. 

The theme for this year's festival is 'connections,' and its director Dr Michelle Castelletti has promised ‘a two-week whirlwind of culture and creativity in venues throughout Oxford.'

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She added: “With music, drama, speakers, debates, film, dance, art, circus and comedy, as well as many events to take part in, we really do have something for everyone.”

A large number of events will be hosted in the school’s festival marquee.

Novelist Louis de Bernieres will speak on Tuesday, June 25, followed by historian David Starkey on Wednesday, June 26.

Prue Leith, who replaced Mary Berry as a judge on Channel 4 show The Great British Bake Off, will speak at the dining hall on Thursday, July 4.

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Lord Archer, whose novels and short stories have topped bestseller lists around the world, will speak in the marquee on Friday, July 5.

His latest novel, Heads You Win, was published last year.

Also on the line-up is a concert performed from punts on the river, a night of comedy featuring Britain's Got Talent winner the Lost Voice Guy, and several outdoor film screenings.

For further information about the festival visit the website artsfestivaloxford.org