Damien Hirst, Jude Law and Rufus Wainwright are among some of the leading artists and performers that will be taking part in the 12-week London 2012 Festival next summer.

Launching on 21 June, a nationwide programme of events will include theatre productions, dance performances and music concerts in celebration of the London 2012 Games.

Highlights will include the World Shakespeare Festival, which will see productions of the playwright's work performed by theatre companies from around the world.

Big Dance will see more than 5 million people throughout the UK take part in dance events, along with a performance of more than 1,000 dancers in Trafalgar Square on 14 July.

Meanwhile, the Southbank Centre will host the largest poetry festival held in the UK, which will bring together 205 poets representing each of the competing Olympic nations.

Cultural Olympiad director Ruth Mackenzie, said: "New work from the best artists, musicians, writers, comedians, film makers and other creative talent will be presented in the largest festival in the country."

Culture minister Ed Vaizey added: "Millions of people all round the country will have the opportunity to take part and enjoy spectacular events."

Details: festival.london2012.com