BRIGHTON Festival is back for its 50th year with a packed programme of music, comedy, arts, literature, film and theatre.

Speaking ahead of the event's launch today, Andrew Comben, the Festival chief executive, said the May 7 to 29 event is for the "whole community".

American artist and musician Laurie Anderson takes the reins as guest director for the programme which includes more than 50 commissions, co-commissions, and exclusives including the world premiere of a global collaborative work by Turner Prize-winning British artist Gillian Wearing.

The guest director said: “I've been part of the Festival several times and it is so big and sprawling and exciting and there’s so many different things going on - it really has a kind of celebratory, crazy, art party feel to it. And I love the theme of home and place.

“It is especially relevant with so many people in the world on the move now looking, like all of us, for a place we can belong.

“Maybe because I’m a working musician and often on the road, the idea of home is pretty appealing to me.

“It’s also a great idea for a festival - trying to find out who and where you are.”

Events across the three weeks include Anderson's music tailored specifically for dogs, an interactive exploration of undercover policing in Operation Black Antler and a tribute to a hermit Shakespeare scholar in Digging for Shakespeare.

Other works include Dr Blighty, an outdoor exhibition at the Royal Pavilion Estate which will tell the stories of the thousands of Indian soldiers treated there during the First World War and the premiere of Brighton: Symphony of City - a fusion of silent film and live music.

Andrew Comben, chief executive of Brighton Festival, said: “Every year since 1967 some of the greatest artists, performers and thinkers have come together with some of the most open-minded and enthusiastic audiences anywhere for a festival whose home is one of the most artistically rich and geographically blessed places in the country.

“Laurie is well-known and well-loved by the city and has been has been experimenting, creating and challenging audiences all over the world for almost as long as Brighton Festival has existed.”

He added there was focus on the festival inviting the “participation of the whole community” hailing opportunities throughout the programme for residents to get involved.

Hedley Swain, from Arts Council England, said: “The Festival, and more widely arts and culture in general, have long been synonymous with Brighton.

"Collectively they deliver inspiring performances and exhibitions for local communities, attract people from far and wide to drive cultural tourism and make a strong contribution to the local economy.

"This success is built on strong partnerships across the city, including Brighton and Hove City Council, and is a great example of collaborative investment and working that others can learn from. Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival’s forthcoming capital project will help to build on the success to date, ensuring Brighton remains one of England’s cultural leading lights.”