MUSIC, theatre, film, dance, comedy and more will be coming to Salisbury next year as the city's very own international arts festival returns.

And following a two-year break Salisbury International Arts Festival will be making its comeback with a special theme.

The three-week spectacle, from May 27 until June 19, will be inspired by the drama, opportunity and danger of islands, and the wide variety of emotions they evoke.

Created by Wiltshire Creative’s artistic director Gareth Machin, associate artist violinist Harriet Mackenzie, festival producer Lucy Babb and a team of associate curators, the festival promises to feature a diverse line up covering multiple genres and art forms, with events for all of the family.

Wiltshire Creative's SHIFT programme, a Jubilee concert, the return of City Encounters, and the world première of Stone Songs, composed by Howard Moody and featuring the Festival Chorus and La Folia musicians, are just some of the acts already announced, with more to be revealed soon.

"Delighted" to be bringing "a spectacular programme of events" to the city, Gareth has praised the festival's main theme.

"Fascination, fear and love of islands has long fired our collective imagination," he said.

"After 300 years we are still reading Robinson Crusoe and, after 75 years and over 2,000 episodes, Desert Island Discs is still going strong. However, our interest in islands runs much deeper than their dramatic potential.

"In our highly connected world, we are increasingly craving the isolation and tranquillity that islands can offer.

"Even with modern amenities, islands consistently draw us in as holiday locations and meccas of fun and leisure.”

Lucy added: “After a two-year hiatus we can’t wait to bring together communities to share in the wonder of the arts once again.

"2022 will see the return of the Salisbury International Arts Festival, back to the venues, churches, countryside and streets of Wiltshire.”

Salisbury International Arts Festival tickets will go on sale in March 2022.

Get more Salisbury news.

You can also like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date.

Email newsdesk@salisburyjournal.co.uk with your comments, pictures, letters and news stories.