Alex Horne has once again gathered together some of the UK's finest musicians and thrown them on stage with some of the world's most exciting comics. It is, of course, The Horne Section. Here Lucy Wood asks him a few questions...

Tell us what you have lined up for the Horne Section this festival...

We're trying to be more ambitious than ever this year - there's the music and the comedy as always, but we've also got some indoor fireworks, a new pair of bongos and a sultry tango. Oh yes, we've also got MASSIVE GUESTS coming to play with us this year - more exciting than ever.

How was the Radio 4 show received?

My parents loved it. Actually, I've had a load of lovely feedback from all sorts of people; kids, grandparents, Dutch people - it's the first radio series I've ever done and I like the idea that people all over the world can be listening to our stuff whilst doing anything and everything.

And what's next? (after Edinburgh, of course)

We've got our fingers crossed for more radio shows, we're certainly doing a load more live shows, and my wife and I are having another child: my own Horne Section will then be as big as the band.

What's been the funniest moment on stage with the Horne Section?

There's been a few - I'm going to go for Le Gateau Chocolat (monstrous operatic diva) destroying a ukulele using a cheese grater to the tune of A Whole New World.

Tell us about the guys, and why you love working with them...

They're not 'guys', they're horrible men; I don't 'love' anything about them and it's not 'work'. Sorry. To be honest, I've known some of them for more than thirty years so it's just like hanging out with your brothers. We squabble and bicker and we know far too much about each other.

How would you describe HS to someone who has never been?

I've stopped describing it to people now - it's best to come and watch really. When you use words like 'musical comedy', 'improvisation' and 'jazz' there's a danger people are going to instantly hate you.

I guess you've been busy enough without it, but we have to ask... why no solo show?

Ah, yes, good point. Here's the dull truth: It takes me about 15 months to make a festival show so I can come up with two shows every three years. See you in 2013 and 2014.

Will you have time to actually enjoy the festival? Are you planning on seeing shows? If so, who do you recommend?

For the first time in three years I'm here without my children so yes, I'm going to massively enjoy the festival. I'm going to sleep late and drink lots and see stupid things: No 1 recommendation - Barry Morgan's World of Organs.

What's the plan for your one-off with Tim Key? Are one-off shows like that a pleasure?

I was wondering both those things myself this morning. We have two things planned and a lot of things unplanned, which is pretty much how life should be. And I think it'll be an absolute retrospective pleasure.

More We Need Answers?

Yes, we've heard rumours that it's coming back. We can't confirm or deny these rumours. But we like these rumours.

What would you be doing if you weren't at the festival?

I'd be watching every second of the Olympics, finishing building my new shed in the garden and trying to keep pace with my two toddlers.

And finally, fast-forward 30 years. How do you think you'll be spending your Augusts?

I genuinely hope I'll still be coming to Edinburgh, staying in a student flat, eating fancy burgers and trying to make people laugh. There's nothing better.

'The Horne Section - Live At The Grand!' is at the Pleasance Courtyard until the 22nd. Listing