The worlds of film, dance, comedy, gardening, music, photography, science, sport, food, literature, motoring, history, art and current affairs are all descending on Oxford in the next few weeks to take part in the massively ambitious Oxford Festival of the Arts, formerly the MCS Arts Festival Oxford.

Big names such as Sam Mendes, Will Gompertz, John Simpson, Roger Black, Iain Pears, The Tallis Scholars, Xanthe Clay, Aldo Zilli, Marcus Brigstocke and Shappi Khorsandi, help complete the most diverse and all-encompassing line-up yet in the festival’s eight year history, which runs until July 2.

Highlights include Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes, discussing his illustrious career from his revival of the Donmar Warehouse to the latest Bond films Skyfall and Spectre, and the insights and experiences that helped him hone and develop his craft on Friday July 1.

Enjoy photographic portrait series Women Create Change by photographer Alison Baskerville, whose work reflects on women’s contribution to the war effort 100 years ago and their changing roles in all walks of life since, which will be exhibited in Frideswide Square to celebrate Oxfordshire’s pioneering women.

Another first for 2016 will be a comedy night on Tuesday June 28 featuring popular stand-up comics Marcus Brigstock, Shappi Khorsandi and Joel Dommett, set in the Festival Marquee below Magdalen Bridge on the banks of the Cherwell.

The School Field will be used for big-screen showings of modern classics Shaun the Sheep and The History Boys.

Musical offerings include performances Roderick Williams, Julius Drake and The Coull Quartet tomorrow night or enjoy Madrigals On The Water on Friday July 1 by punt, or take part in The Speakeasy Disco by headset geared on by two competing DJs.

A new production of The Wind in the Willows at Oxford Playhouse is the highlight of the drama programme this weekend at Oxford Playhouse, while a production of Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost beside the Cherwell next week will charm Oxford’s outdoor theatre lovers.

A family-friendly Culinary Arts Day on Saturday will see the Festival Hub and Marquee transformed into a food mecca for all ages, where visitors can taste food, learn new skills, and enjoy talks and workshops by Aldo Zilli and Xanthe Clay

Go backstage with Giffords Circus today at University Parks and watch them rehearse, while tonight game ON! celebrates all things gaming followed by a live debate with the industry’s top names.

And check out John Simpson, World Affairs Editor of BBC news for 40 years discussing his job and experiences next Thursday.

Something for everyone then, and the mere tip of the iceberg in term of complexity and sheer volume of events

Go to www.artsfestivaloxford.org