Shakespeare’s England has announced a slate of autumn events and specials for 2015, including theatre, comedy and food and beer festivals.

Sir Tim Rice plus TV chef Tom Kerridge, actor Brian Blessed and historian Max Hastings headline Stratford Literary Festival’s autumn programme.

Festival Faces, a free exhibition of photographs taken by Lorentz Gullachsen during the Literary Festival last spring, also launches 22 October.

On 29 October, journalist and historian Max Hastings will reveal the details of his latest book, The Secret War – Spies, Codes and Guerrillas 1939-1945. Brian Blessed will then take the audience on a journey through his career from Z Cars to Star Wars.

Jo Brand, Rob Beckett, Josh Widdicombe, Andy Parsons, Fred Macauley and Ruby Wax will also be making their way through the area. Ragtime, swing and jazz duo Ivory and Gold will perform with reeds legend George Huxley plus Showaddywaddy and Barry Steele’s Roy Orbison tribute. Radio 2 presenter Clare Teal will celebrate the life of Doris Day with a trio of accomplished musicians.

Orchestra of the Swan continues its residency with Tamsin Waley-Cohen opening the season playing Mendelssohn. Later In the season the Orchestra will celebrate the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Agincourt, presenting a special programme that features William Walton’s compositions for the 1943 Laurence Olivier film. Commemorating the centenary of World War One, brand-new play Brummegem Palsperforms about two Birmingham boys who serve together in WWI.

Shakespeare’s England is also offering specials across its many hotels and bed and breakfasts, including Warwick Castle, Avonlea guest house, The Arden and Ardencote Manor Hotel.

Visit shakespeares-england.co.uk for more information.