BISHOP'S Waltham Festival will once again bring alive the grounds of the palace ruins. It runs from Sunday, July 8, to Sunday, July 15, and there's something for everyone to enjoy.

The first day will bring together crafts and fun for all the family, including the schools performance.

Pupils from the town's own junior and infant schools will be among the youngsters who will be performing with the skills they have learnt during special workshops, and there will also be plenty of theatre and music.

Gates open at 1pm and the entertainment will continue throughout the afternoon.

Every evening, the palace grounds will be the venue for a different kind of entertainment.

On the Monday, the Youth Band Night will take place and, across the road, Bank's Restaurant will be serving up a delicious three-course "Best of British" meal.

"Rule Britannia" is the theme for a performance by community choir, Festival Singers, in St Peter's Church on Tuesday evening.

For those curious to know more about the history of the palace, there will be a British Heritage tour of the grounds and a talk on Wednesday at 2pm and, on the Thursday night, 'Sixties group, the Swinging Blue Jeans, will sing hits such such as Hippy, Hippy Shake.

Friday is thespian night as the aptly-named Rain or Shine Theatre Company stages an outdoor performance of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night.

On Saturday morning, theatre for the children is The Marvellous Magical Coat, from the On The Other Hand Company, which tells the story of a little boy who is given a huge new coat by his Aunt Dolly. When he puts it on, he is transported to a strange land where his adventures begin.

Saturday's frivolities continue with something new for the Bishop's Waltham Festival, a Folk Day.

Headliners, the Oysterband, along with Rachel Unthank, Julie Felix, Les Barker, Jackie Oates and many more will entertain from 2pm, going on well into the evening.

Jazz completes the week as Melinda Lightfoot, with Terry Lightfoot and his Band, take to the stage at 2pm on Sunday when people are invited to take their own picnic and enjoy the bar.

Tickets for all events are available from the Theatre Royal Box Office, Winchester, on 01962 840440, the Nuffield Theatre Box Office, Southampton, on 023 8067 1771, or in person at H. W. Veck & Sons, High Street, Bishop's Waltham.

Details of times and venues are listed at www.bishopswalthamfestival.com.