Marianne Faithful and Michael Palin are among those appearing at this year's Salisbury International Arts Festival, which features top names from the world of performance, literature and art.

Salisbury and the surrounding area makes a great sightseeing and shopping trip. The city's medieval streets are lined with traditional specialist shops, along with top high street names. If you visit between May 27 and June 12 2005, the annual Salisbury festival will be in full swing with something to suit all tastes.

The 17-day event is one of the top five multi-artform festivals in the UK, and has been going for over 30 years. This year's programme of events is more exciting and eclectic than ever before and promises to captivate the city.

This year's line-up includes over 100 performances with artists from India, Australia, the USA, Ghana, Cuba, Finland, China, Turkey, Canada and Estonia and provides a kaleidoscope of cultures.

Topping the bill for 2005's festival will be Marianne Faithful, above left, who will perform a world premiere at Salisbury with the Sarum Orchestra and Festival Chorus in Symphony Under The Spire. Michael Palin who headlines the new literature programme, will talk with author Patrick French about his Himalayan trek and Kate Adie talks to former Army officer Tim Collins about his new book Rules Of Engagement.

The 2005 programme sees a glorious mix of musical entertainment, including the National Beijing Opera Company of China, and the Philharmonia Orchestra, celebrating its 60th anniversary, provides the only opportunity outside of London to hear its spirited performance of Hadyn's Creation. Contemporary world and jazz music are high on the agenda and laughter will ring out with appearances from award-winning comedians Will Smith and Tina C.

On Friday, May 27, the festival will kick off with a fitting opening in the beautiful setting of Salisbury's Cathedral Close. This free event will enthral all the family, with extraordinary music and dance from the Tibetan Monks of the Tashi Lhunpo monastery to stirring drumming from Ghana-based Kakasitsi each ensemble wearing traditional coloured costumes and giving their blessing to the festival. It is sure to be an unforgettable evening for everyone.