THREE diverse Shakespeare anniversary events will join a magical programme of talks, workshops, comedy, music and creative events at Hampshire's Curious Arts Festival.

Join acclaimed writers in a weekend-long Sonnet-a-thon to mark the 400 year anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. Playwright Polly Stenham (That Face, Royal Court, National Theatre) will lead a line up of authors, performers and festival-goers in reading all 154 of Shakespeare’s sonnets over the course of the event, which takes place at Pylewell Park near Lymington from July 22 to 24, on board the site's stunning Nyetimber Bus, a beautifully re-imagined 1968 Routemaster.

Festival-goers can also enjoy two Shakespeare, Not Stirred cocktail workshops. Share your troubles and learn how to make a Drowning Ophelia. Dazzle your friends with an Isabella's Vespers, go to the depths with a Richard's Gimme-let and leave on a high with a Lady Macbeth's G-spot.

Jackie Bennett, author of Shakespeare's Plots, will also be talking about Shakespeare as a gardener.

A celebration of talent from the worlds of literature, music, comedy, film and the visuals arts, Curious Arts Festival highlights this year include performances by literary icon Carol Ann Duffy and celebrated singer songwriter and activist Billy Bragg.

There's a literary programme of events which includes sessions with Deborah Moggach (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) and SJ Watson (Before I Go to Sleep, Second Life).

Enjoy music from former Bombay Bicycle Club vocalist Lucy Rose, supercool ICA stalwarts HMS Sweet Charity, and Gus Robertson, the lead guitarist for Razorlight who will be curating a stellar line up of bands, DJs and performance artists on the Friday night.

Other highlights inlcude the lightning-quick, improv troupe The Noise Next Door who are set for another Edinburgh Festival sell out run, a Jabberwocky Hunt, bat walks, life drawing and snail racing.

For tickets, and details, visit curiousartsfestival.com