THE newly-announced 2009 Salisbury International Arts Festival promises to deliver a diverse programme of over 100 concerts, gigs, exhibitions and plays including world premieres, Festival commissions and special one-off exclusives.

Artists and speakers confirmed to attend this year include Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, Kuljit Bhamra, Melvyn Bragg, AC Grayling, Sophie Grigson, IOU, Elin Manahan Thomas, New Art Club, Diana Quick, Vikram Seth, Andy Sheppard, Arthur Smith, John Surman, Clare Teal, The London Mozart Players, Srishti, The Tallis Scholars, Transe Express, Edmund de Waal and Alexander Waugh.

For her first festival, new director Maria Bota, has chosen a series of themes – India, water and spirit – which will weave through the programme of world class contemporary and traditional arts events. This year also sees an expanded programme of outdoor events with activities scattered throughout the city, enabling audiences to trip over the festival in unexpected and unanticipated ways.

East meets West in an inspiring programme of events from the Festival’s featured artist – composer, producer and virtuoso tabla player Kuljit Bhamra.

The festival presents its strongest film programme to date, with a mixture of classic films and new releases inspired by the themes, as well as music and dance from around the world.

Classical concerts include the world-renowned Tallis Scholars and Clare Teal tops the bill on the jazz programme.

Theatre and comedy are high on the agenda again this year with an exciting range of productions and standup including The Comedy of Errors performed by Shakespeare’s Globe in the beautiful grounds of Trafalgar Park.

The literature programme is back with an exciting array of authors and speakers.

An exhibition of photographs and artwork from David Buckland’s Cape Farewell project which sent an international team of artists and scientists to the Arctic and into the heart of the climate change debate, will also be on display throughout the Festival.

Children and families are promised a host of exciting activities and workshops. Salisbury International Arts Festival runs from May 22 to June 6. Box Office: 0845 241 9651.