A STAR-studded line-up will once again make its way to the city during a two-week arts and culture extravaganza this summer.

Tens of thousands of revellers are expected to enjoy the wonders of the city when the annual Oxford Festival of the Arts returns for the eighth time this June.

Musicians, comedians, poets, novelists and even an Oscar-nominated director are set to come together at iconic Oxford settings to indulge in the very best of art and culture.

BBC world affairs editor John Simpson, who will be joining the festival line-up after recently moving to the city, said: "I'm a newcomer to Oxford, but I have all the enthusiasm of a convert. I'm certain everything that's best about the city, and there's a lot of it, will be represented at the festival."

The event, which was the brainchild of festival sponsor Magdalen College School, launched in 2009 and was called MCS Arts Festival Oxford until this year.

Festival-goers are set to pour into venues including the Sheldonian Theatre, Ashmolean Museum, Botanic Garden and Oxford Playhouse between June 17 and July 2.

Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes, who directed James Bond blockbusters Skyfall and Spectre, will spill the secrets behind his career during the festival.

The former Magdalen College School student, who also won a Golden Globe for 1999-hit American Beauty, will take to the stage at the Festival Marquee on July 1.

The Festival Hub and Marquee at Magdalen College School will be transformed into a food mecca for all ages for the event's family friendly Culinary Arts Day.

Winner of The Great British Bake Off Frances Quinn, chef Aldo Zilli and food writer Xanthe Clay will join culinary wizards as they enjoy stalls, chocolate workshops and talks.

Festival director Anne Cotton said: "We are very excited about this year’s festival - a host of high profile speakers and artists, fantastic partnerships with other cultural organisations, and some really fresh and exciting events have given us all a sense that the festival is continuing to build, momentum this year and establishing itself within the city’s cultural calendar."

Children's favourite The Wind in the Willows will take to the stage at Oxford Playhouse, while Shakespeare's Love's Labour's Lost performed beside the banks of the River Cherwell will charm outdoor theatre lovers.

Stand-up comedians Marcus Brigstocke, Shappi Khorsandi and Joel Dommett are also set to get the rib-tickling humour rolling at the festival's inaugural comedy night.

Gamers will also have the chance to enjoy an evening of gaming while motor fans can spend a day exploring the sustainable future of cars and technology.

Other guests set to make an appearance include BBC arts editor Will Gompertz, Olympic athlete Roger Black, painter and sculptor Maggi Hambling, poet and novelist Ben Okri and critic Alastair Sooke.

See artsfestivaloxford.org