AWARD winning comedian Jo Caulfield will be among the headline acts at the 2015 Thornbury Arts Festival.

The star of many TV, radio and live shows will feature in a packed programme of music, literature, performance and visual art that the festival team is currently finalising.

With organisers having expanded the schedule to add afternoon sessions to the traditional format of evening and lunchtime events, they hope to attract even more people to the town next spring.

They were especially keen to introduce more children to the festival, offering masterclasses and workshops that range from circus skills and theatrical drawing to the playing of miniature harps.

The ten-day festival will run from April 17-26, with events to be held at a variety of venues.

Jo Caulfield is among the early acts to be announced. She has appeared in BBC Radio 4’s It’s That Jo Caulfield Again and Jo Caulfield’s Speakeasy, as well as being a regular guest on TV shows such as Have I Got News For You and Mock the Week.

Her time as a warm-up act for Graham Norton’s first chat show also led to her writing material for the popular host and presenter.

Among other confirmed appearances at the festival are Theatre Temoin with their production of Nobody’s Home and the five-piece gipsy jazz band Moscow Drug Club, whose infectious music will help bring the festival to a close.

The programme will also feature film, storytelling, talks and a concert by performers from the annual Thornbury children’s eisteddfod that will be held from March 7-15 under the umbrella of the festival.

And just days after the main festival ends, the Severn Vale Art Trail will open, giving visitors the chance to visit artists’ studios and exhibitions in and around Thornbury from April 30-May 10.

Festival artistic director Shirley Sharp said: “At first it seemed slightly daunting to give a new image and appeal to the festival, while still retaining its amazing formula that has worked for 45 years.

“But it is proving to be very exciting. We have a new logo and will launch our new-look website in January. The full programme will follow soon after and a new online booking facility will be up and running to allow people to book earlier.

“We are listening to what people want from the festival and aiming to give them just that – a lively and energetic festival that has something for everyone.”