IN demand satirist Matt Forde will open this year's Devizes Festival on June 1 with a night of comedy and political impressions in the Corn Exchange.

Mr Forde, who will come to Devizes by way of The Royal Variety Performance and Question Time, will give his own take on Brexit in his show It's My Political Party (And I'll Cry If I Want To).

The comedian, impressionist, writer and presenter will use the changing political scene at home and abroad to get plenty of laughs.

There’s further comedy at the festival which runs until June 18 from Helen Lederer, a writer and actress with an extensive portfolio but probably best known as AbFAb’s dippy Catriona. She contributes regular columns to Woman & Home and the Independent, and is frequently to be heard on BBC Radio’s Just A Minute and Woman’s Hour. She will appear at the town hall on June 17.

Undoubtedly one of the most talked-about shows on the UK comedy scene, Austentatious: An Improvised Novel is a comedy play spun in the inimitable style of Jane Austen – and based entirely on audience suggestions. They will be on stage in the Corn Exchange on June 8.

The mix of mid-summer entertainment continues with an appearance by novelist, journalist and broadcaster Sebastian Faulks, best known for his historical novels set in France, whose latest book Where My Heart Used to Beat reflects the recurring themes of his much respected writing.

Journeying through time and place, from the ancient Egyptian pyramids to the soaring skyscrapers of Manhattan, renowned architectural historian Dan Cruickshank will take his audience through some of the world's most inspirational and characterful buildings.

While The Ten (Food) Commandments is an audio-visual romp that attempts to lead us to the edible Promised Land, from award-winning writer, broadcaster, Observer restaurant critic and Masterchef judge, Jay Rayner.

Classical music treats include recitals from the Villiers Quartet, duo Tamsin Waley-Cohen and James Bailleu, and the Marici Saxes, four girls with four saxophones, who have just recorded their debut album.

On a lighter note Tim FitzHigham and Duncan Walsh Atkins take a nostalgic romp through the music of Flanders and Swan and The Spitfire Sisters are sure to get toes tapping when they perform favourites from the 30’s and 40’s as well as putting their own unique vintage spin on more recent hits.

If you love American soul, roots, and folk music Danny and the Champions of the World will be right up your alley. The band hails from London, but the music is pure, corn-fed Americana.

For younger festival goers and their families Roald Dahl Revolting Rhymes are brought to life, while Plundered is a swashbuckling adventure in the Amazon for primary school aged children.

Events take place at many different venues around the town, including Devizes Town Hall, Corn Exchange, The Wharf Theatre, various public houses and a number of churches.

Book tickets online from Friday, 21 April and the Festival Box Office opens on Monday 24 April at Devizes Books, Sidmouth Street: Tel: 01380 738686 or visit www.devizesfestival.co.uk for full details and for on-line sales.