The Llangollen Fringe Festival has launched its programme of events with the biggest line-up since it began five years ago.

The programme was first held in 1997 to run concurrently with the long established Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

We are giving audiences an opportunity to meet people who hit the headlines

Guy Kennaway Fringe Festival Founder

It aims to provide a contemporary take on the music and arts scene from across the world.

This year the spotlight will be on Damien Hirst, best known for exhibiting dead animals in formaldehyde.

He will be running a children's workshop for five to 12-year-olds.

Opera singer Lesley Garrett will also appear on stage on 14 July to answer questions from the audience.

Guy Kennaway, one of the founders of Llangollen Fringe, says it is a great event.

Damien Hirst will hold a workshop

"The reputation of the Llangollen Fringe has quickly grown, not only with audiences, but also with artists who want to be part of this exciting programme."

He added: "This is why we can continue to develop the programme and include so many people who are leaders and innovators in the arts world."

Musicians from Japan, Peru, India, Sierra Leone, the United States, Cuba and the UK will be taking part in the event.

As well as concerts, a number of workshops have been set up to encourage music lovers to learn more about their hobby.

Feature film

However, the festival is not just about music, film lovers will have the opportunity to catch the premiere of Labrats - a movie filmed on location throughout north east Wales.

The debut feature film by Paul Brannigan features the voices of Rhys Ifans, Martin Clunes and Sir Norman Wisdom.

Most events will take place in the Fringe Shed - a former weaving hut in Llangollen town centre.

The unusual auditorium holds a few hundred people and the floor will be carpeted with grass turf for the duration of the event.

Guy Kennaway says he is looking forward to the festival which runs from 6 - 15 July.

"Some of the programme content may seem controversial but we are giving audiences an opportunity to meet people who hit the headlines."