Oscar winning actress Dame Judi Dench is to attend the gala opening concert of an arts festival in North Oxford.

On Wednesday, Dame Judi will be one of a number of VIP guests attending the opening of the North Wall Arts Festival in South Parade.

The James Bond actress is a patron of the North Wall and has lent her support to the award-winning new arts centre, which opened last year.

The gala concert also features internationally- renowned violinist Daniel Hope and the North Wall's resident orchestra, the English Sinfonia.

The music line-up for the festival also features Cantamus Girls' Choir, and the National Youth Jazz Orchestra.

Festival director Emily Man said: "It's wonderful to get someone of Dame Judi's stature to attend the gala concert.

"She took one of the lead roles in the film Mrs Henderson Presents and George Fenton, one of the founders of the theatre, wrote the score for the film.

"They have known each other for years and she said she would be delighted to help.

"Dami Judi has always been a strong supporter of the theatre in Oxford and has appeared on stage in many productions at the Playhouse."

Dame Judi and other distinguished actors including Patrick Stewart, Richard E Grant, Richard Wilson and Imelda Staunton have also created a series of postcards to raise funds for the arts centre at St Edward's School.

Postcards have also been drawn by writers Alan Bennett, Andrew Davies and Robert McCrum and artist Glen Baxter and architect Richard Rogers have also contributed to the collection.

The money raised will go towards encouraging young talent at the North Wall's drama summer school, which takes place during August.

The postcards can be viewed in the North Wall Gallery, which is open daily from 11am to 4pm and before, during and after Festival performances from Wednesday to July 12.

Anyone who want to buy one of the cards can put in a bid until the last day of the festival.

Ms Man added: "We're delighted to receive so many postcards from so many leading names in British culture.

"They created whatever they liked on their cards and we have quite a range of drawings, cartoons, photographs and written messages."

Another highlight of the festival will be The Royle Family actor Ralf Little starring in 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover this Friday and Saturday.

For further information about the festival visit www.thenorthwall.com or call the box office on 01865 319450.