Life of Dr Johnson to be celebrated

Events to mark Dr Johnson's tercentenary will take place everywhere from Boston to London – but it is Lichfield that will be at the heart of the festivities.

Dr Johnson was born in Breadmarket Street on September 18, 1709, and preparations are already well underway in the city to commemorate three centuries since the birth of one of the country's best known literary figures.

A special group, the Samuel Johnson Tercentenary Committee, has been set up to oversee a huge programme of events in Lichfield.

The committee is hoping to secure an appearance from notorious journalist Jeremy Paxman in the city, along with fellow broadcaster John Sergeant – a former president of the Johnson Society.

Also in the pipeline is a performance from actress Lesley Smith, and a recreation of Johnson's famous walk to London with his friend – and fellow famous son of Lichfield – the actor David Garrick.

The piece de resistance will be the unveiling of a stunning bronze sculpture in the city to mark the special event.

Designed and created by celebrated sculptor Peter Walker, who was born in Lichfield, the statue will be the first new public artwork in Lichfield for 50 years.

The Tercentenary Committee is also planning to install a special blue plaque at the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum in time for September's events.

The idea was inspired by London's blue plaques, which are installed by English Heritage to celebrate famous figures from the past and the buildings associated with them. It will be positioned above the doorway on the Market Street frontage of the famous house, where Johnson spent the first 27 years of his life.

Dr Johnson was famous as a journalist, essayist, poet, novelist, literary critic, editor and biographer. He is credited with producing the first comprehensive English dictionary.

In the United States Harvard University will host an international conference in celebration of Johnson's work. A similar event is planned on home shores at Oxford University.