A student festival backed by a stellar list of top British actors is about to hit venues across St Andrews.
On The Rocks is the largest student-run arts festival in Scotland and kicks off for the fifth year.
The nine-day event has an impressive list of influential patrons including Sir Sean Connery, Dame Judi Dench, Dame Helen Mirren, Joanna Lumley and Simon Pegg.
This year actor Andy Serkis, best-known for playing Gollum in the Lord of the Rings, has added his support. The festival brings theatre, dance, fashion, music, comedy and more to theatres, halls, cafes, pubs and other venues across St Andrews.
It incorporates the 10th annual Half Cut Student Film Festival. Festival director Claire Rampen said: “On The Rocks is a celebration of St Andrews and its people.
“Through drama, music, photography and other art forms we can showcase the diverse nature of this town and the mix of Scottish and global influences. This has resulted in a varied programme, which we believe has something for everyone.”
The vision for the event, she said, was to promote student participation in the arts and strengthen the St Andrews community by encouraging collaboration within and beyond the university.
On Sunday, St Mary’s Quadrangle will be the venue for a summer fair and performance of The Secret Garden by students and local youngsters.
Shows are being staged throughout the week, including a new adaptation of Julius Caesar and some plays which have been written by students.
Art On The Rocks will see work by students on show at cafes around the town and there will be a series of late night music cafes.
The film festival awards night is on Thursday, April 11.
Another highlight is expected to be Sitara which is on on Saturday night an Asian fashion-inspired show.