TICKETS are still available for a major arts festival in Oxford which will start at the weekend.

Now in its ninth year, Oxford Festival of the Arts will start on Saturday and run until Saturday, July 8.

Magdalen College School is helping to coordinate the festival and some events will take place at the school in East Oxford.

Speakers will include former ballet dancer Darcey Bussell, novelist Michael Frayn and Liberal Democrat peer Baroness Shirley Williams.

The festival’s website said: “Now in its ninth year, Oxford Festival of the Arts is a two-week celebration of culture and creativity in venues throughout Oxford.

“Aiming to offer opportunities in the arts for Oxford’s diverse communities, the festival programme presents an exciting array of events, with a colourful mix of music, literature, theatre, art, speaker events, tours, comedy, workshops and much more.

“Themes of the 2017 festival are inclusivity and diversity – there is something for everyone.”

On June 24 venues taking part in the festival, including Pegasus Theatre and Modern Art Oxford, will open their doors to visitors.

Last year Oscar-winning James Bond director Sam Mendes returned to the school to give a talk.

The Skyfall and Spectre director, a former pupil at the independent school, spoke about his time at the school, working with Daniel Craig and his career in movies.

For more details on the programme and tickets visit the festival website artsfestivaloxford.org