The Hamster to join Clarkson and May in Durban

Hammond was determined not to miss out on this year's show and rearranged his schedule so that he could join Jeremy Clarkson and James May for the event. They will take to the stage in Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium for the live show.

Thrilled to be returning to Durban having been a part of last year's ground-breaking event, Hammond said: "When I discovered the Top Gear Festival in Durban was going to be bigger and better and more explosive than ever there was no way I could miss it - I certainly didn't want The Oaf and The Bore to have all the fun. So, see you there!"

The Stig and Mika Häkkinen

The infamous trio will be joined by Top Gear's mystery driver, The Stig, who will be taking to the streets of Durban on the new, enhanced street circuit, along with other motoring legends including two-time Formula One World Champion Mika Häkkinen.

As well as the all-new Top Gear Live Stadium Show and improved street circuit the festival has new highlights for 2013 across the site including a series of grudge matches between rally cars, hot rods and hot hatches, tandem drifting, MSA racing action, an extreme Action Zone featuring FMX Bikes and Trail Bikes and the Shell Stunt School - powered by Shell V-power. Visitors will also be treated to their favourite brands and merchandise at the extensive motoring expo in the People's Park.

Tickets are on sale now and range from the Basic Ticket at R250 to R2100 for an Ultimate Package. For more information on ticket prices or to book, go to www.topgearfestival.co.za.

Travelling packages

For travelling Top Gear enthusiasts and guests, there is a full range of travel packages, from self-drive packages and luxury coach packages to flight packages, which include travel, and accommodation on a B&B basis in a Tsogo Sun three-tar or four-star hotel.