Oscar-winning actress Dame Judi Dench graced the opening ceremony of the inaugural North Wall Arts Festival in Oxford tonight.
Dame Judi took a look at a display of postcards by famous artists that will be auctioned, before joining other guests at a gala classical musical concert at the arts centre in Summertown to mark the start of the 10-day festival, featuring everything from classical music to theatre and comedy.
Director Emily Man, who introduced concert performers Daniel Hope and the English Sinfonia, said: "We're absolutely packed out, packed to the rafters.
"Judi has just been a complete stalwart in terms of her support of us."
Music at the concert included Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto.
Other attractions during the festival include the Bush Theatre's 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover tomorrow, Tony! The Blair Musical and Tony of Arabia on Sunday, the National Youth Jazz Orchestra on Monday and comedian Shazia Mirza on Friday, July 11.
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