AN ECLECTIC mix of music, drama, art and comedy will take centre stage at this year’s Cookham Festival.

A launch party held at Moor Hall revealed that the summer event will boast three new events.

The “most important” development will be the introduction of the Fringe Festival which aims to encourage more “Cookhamites” to entertain their fellow villagers.

It hopes to celebrate and share talent in as many places as possible such as the Station Hill Deli, The Jolly Farmer and Elizabeth House.

But banking on stealing the spotlight during the 11-day festival will be ‘My Parents are Aliens’ actor Richard James’ production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Dubbed “Shakespeare for the people of Cookham by the people of Cookham” Mr James has been preparing the performance since last October.

And Cookham High Street will also be transformed for a day into a street festival showcasing arts, crafts and food.

Cookham Festival committee chairman Mike Copland hailed: “The festival is a celebration of the talent that exists across the community and features many new events for 2011.

“It provides the opportunity for people of all ages and with a wide range of skills to join in, express themselves and enjoy the work and performances of others in the community.”

Last week, organisers confirmed the line-up for the Let’s Rock the Moor festival - one of the event’s top drawers.

‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ singer Rick Astley and 1980s group Curiosity Killed the Cat are the headline acts among a wide array of genres.

For more information about the May 11-22 event contact Judith Diment on 07860 162313 or Judith@thediments.co.uk