The Dorchester Festival in Oxfordshire will return next month with a range of 64 events.

Taking place on May 3, the festival will be based around Dorchester Abbey in Dorchester on Thames and take place over 10 days.

Among the headliners include Olivier award-winning Showstopper! The Improvised Musical, CBeebies star Nick Cope, Tallis Scholars, choral legend John Rutter, and folk legend Sam Kelly.

Entering its 10th year, the festival is set to attract thousands of people in support of its charity partner, Restore.

Steph Forman, chair of the festival, said the mix of entertainment, activity and laughter is the “biggest and best programme yet.”

The entertainment ranges from opera, jazz, comedy, art, Michelin Guide chefs, a dog show, a 5k fun run, and even a vicar walking on custard and people abseiling from a 100-foot tower.

On the festival's opening day on May 4, the Bishop of Dorchester will cut the ribbon and lead fundraisers in a sponsored abseil down the 100-foot Dorchester Abbey tower.

Information on event booking is available online at dorchesterfestival.com.

Profits from the festival will be shared between Restore, an Oxfordshire mental health charity, and Dorchester Abbey.

Restore supports more than 500 people each year towards recovering from mental health, with more than 40 percent of individuals who are coached move towards employment.

During the festival, Restore will lead a 'cafe takeover' showcasing their work.

Additionally, the charity's Oxfordshire Recovery College will exhibit video stories of mental health recovery at the Library of Life and conduct workshops on Mindful Art and Mindful Movement for well-being in the Abbey grounds.

The festival also features a silent auction with 45 prizes at stake including memorabilia like a cricket hat signed by Monty Panesar, Truck and September Song Festival tickets, a private dining experience, and badges for The Henley Royal Regatta's finals day.

Ms Forman added: "Our programme has something for everyone. We encourage people to support local mental health by buying tickets, bidding in the online auction, or sponsoring a brave abseiler today."

Libby Peppiatt, the chief executive officer of Restore, said: “Just like physical health, mental health is something we all have.

"Dorchester Festival is a wonderful opportunity for the community to challenge the stigma that persists about mental health, and to raise vital funds, making a difference to the lives of anyone needing support in our locality.

"We are excited to be a part of this wonderful event.”