COLCHESTER Arts Centre has named some big names it is lining-up for the coming year.

And they don’t come bigger than Julian Clary, especially when it comes to camp comedy.

Starting off on the alternative comedy circuit as the Joan Collins Fan Club, Julian has been a mainstay of UK stand-up comedy for many years, as well as a familiar figure on television, appearing in such programmes as Strictly Come Dancing, QI and Have I Got News For You.

For the popular BBC television series, Who Do You Think You Are?, Julian retraced his ancestors back to Thorpe, filming a section of the programme at the village church. And on July 16 he will be back in the county, this time at the arts centre from 8pm for a special Edinburgh Festival preview show.

Another top-flight comedian making a guest appearance at the Church Street venue will be Andy Parsons, who many will know from his regular slots on Mock the Week.

As well as being a firm fixture on comedy panel shows, Andy has a regular radio show and continues to tour the country. He is at the arts centre on August 21.

Finally there’s a treat for folk fans with the news that Bellowhead will be playing on October 19.

Brought together originally by John Spiers and Jon Boden, the 11-piece band plays traditional English dance tunes and songs, but with a unique twist, which has endeared them them to critics and folk fans alike.

For more details on any of these shows, or to buy tickets, call the arts centre box office on 01206 500900 or for more information visit www.colchesterartscentre.com