AL Murray has been announced as the top comedy headliner at this summer's Curious Arts Festival.

The English comedian and TV personality well known for his stand-up persona and quick repartee is, of course, best-known as his alter-ego 'The Pub Landlord', a xenophobic publican.

In 2003, Murray was listed in The Observer as one of the 50 funniest acts in British comedy.In 2007, he was voted the 16th greatest stand-up comic on Channel 4's 100 Greatest Stand-Ups.

The Curious Arts Festival in the heart of the New Forest is cementing a reputation for attracting the cream of UK’s comedy talent as Murray joins Radio 4 regular Simon Evans, lightening-quick sketch group The Noise Next Door and gifted character acts Jo Neary and Milo McCabe at Pyelwell park July 20-23.

Celebrating its fifth birthday this year, this small boutique festival with just 5000 capacity punches above its weight when it comes to comedy, having featured David Baddiel, Ed Byrne, Richard Herring, Zoe Lyons, Lucy Porter and Paul Tonkinson in its short history.

Comedy lovers at Curious 2018 can also catch Adam Kay, currently topping the best seller list with THIS IS GOING TO HURT, a poignant but hilarious diary of his experience as an NHS doctor, kids favourite James Campbell, Australian podcaster Alice Fraser (Tea with Alice), Cambridge footlights graduate Ben Pope and award-winning Laura Lexx.

As well as bringing his new children’s show to Curious, James Campbell will be co-hosting a daily kids news round up with Alice Fraser across the weekend.

In addition to comedy, Curious offers a glittering array of the cultural, creative and curious all in the stunning Solent-side setting of the grounds of privately-owned Pylewell Park;

• An inspired literary line up of author event from this year’s prize winners and best sellers including celebrated adult and children’s author Matt Haig, journalist, historian and McMafia creator Misha Glenny, Kate Mosse and People’s Poet Lemn Sissay.

• Music from some of the UK’s most exciting singer songwriter talent – John Newman headlines this year – with Outlya, Flyte and electronic rock duo Milky Chance

• A uniquely engaging children’s programme include insect walks, pop up theatre and printmaking and puppet theatre workshops

The Curious Arts Festival at Pylewell Park, 20th to 22nd July (Friday to Sunday). www.curiousartsfestival.com

Tickets can be purchased online at www.curiousartsfestival.com