Rock legend Lou Reed, writer Alan Bennett, comedian Meera Syal and punk icon Patti Smith will headline Brighton Festival 2003, it was announced today.
Reed will give The Raven, his homage to the master of gothic horror Edgar Alan Poe, its European premiere.
Bennett will make a rare public performance as Phillip Larkin. Joining him at Charleston Farmhouse will be poet and singer Patti Smith, who will perform original material and show her photographic work.
Meera Syal will be part of the literary arm of the festival, joining American poet Billy Collins, Kathy Lette, John Mortimer and cult US writer Luke Rhinehart.
The theatrical highlight will be the English premiere of mould-breaking Lithuanian director Oskaras Korsunovas' A Midsummer Night's Dream.
The classical music programme includes a performance of Britten's War Requiem conducted by Richard Hickox and a visit by the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra.
Other attractions include Billy Bragg, Chumbawumba and English folk doyens the Copper Family.
And new for 2003 is the grand daytime finale The Big Splash, at Brighton Marina.
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