THIS time last year I was finishing my first book - and not approaching the end with the sense of one big final push, but speeding towards it like a car with no brakes.

It meant I had to miss the whole Salisbury arts festival and was really disappointed, as I kept hearing great things about it.

The Ageas Salisbury International Arts Festival kicks off tomorrow and lasts for two weeks, and this year I really want to make the most of it.

I've even been through the programme with a pen much like I did with the Christmas Radio Times when I was little.

Romanian folk music - ooh! Cloud-gazing - interesting! Ice music - bring it on!

Participatory theatre that explores social mechanisms – we’ll see. This seems to be when Salisbury is at its best – when there's a reason to gather together and enjoy something. It brings cohesion in the community that we often lack, and gives us a sense of identity.

Creativity, variety and a running programme of special events give the city a buzz - is there a way we can build on this when the festival is over, and still enjoy this kind vibe in the city?

Obviously, as with most things, attending events is money-dependent, which is why it’s so great that the opening day is all for free.

It's so varied as well; I might try to treat it like an all-day/all-night endurance exercise - but fun.

Quite a few things have caught my eye - the acrobatics of Acrojou's Frantic incorporating 'love, freedom, blood, sweat and rainstorms'; Wet Picnic's The Lift capturing eye-blink moments to create a surreal experience; the live music; traditional Portuguese dancing from Nuno Silva; and closing fireworks.

I have no ideas what to expect, but will be going prepared, with a mac, camera and water bottle.

Fingers crossed for the weather and see you there…