Big names at Stratford Literary Festival

By IH 19/04 Updated: 19/04 11:01

Buy photos » Jeremy Paxman. (s)

WELL-KNOWN faces will not be in short supply at the fifth Stratford Literary Festival.

The festival runs from April 22 to May 7 and headline speakers include journalist and Newsnight presenter Jeremy Paxman, Woman’s Hour presenter Dame Jenni Murray, bestselling author Iain Banks, BAFTA-nominated film maker Ben Anderson, Lindsey Hilsum international editor of Channel 4 news, cook and novelist Prue Leith and Chinese writers Mo Yan and Lu Jiande.

Those who enjoy some verse are in for a treat with current Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy making an appearance, as will her predecessor Sir Andrew Motion, and also the acclaimed poet Simon Armitage.

And there will be a chance to take part in the festival’s annual poetry competition sponsored by Victoria Jeffs Estate Agents.

There will also be a chance to meet novelists including Patrick Gale, SJ Watson, Mavis Cheek, and Rachel Joyce.

There will a few laughs, with the festival playing host to a recording of BBC Radio 4’s I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue at Warwick Arts Centre on May 6, and Oddsocks Theatre Company will be doing their thing.

In addition to the main festival, the traditional Family Fun Day on May 7 at KES School offers a fun packed day with craft-making workshops, entertainers and author events including MacKenzie Crook – star of The Office and Pirates of The Caribbean - who has written and illustrated his first book for children.

Festival Director Annie Ashworth said: “The range of names and events we have this year is incredible and we’re sure there’s something for everyone, at any age.

Fellow Director Natasha Roderick-Jones added: “Our schools programme is also an area that’s rapidly growing and we’re doing more and more community work, with projects such as Telling Tales where we are working on a year-long programme with local charity Kissing it Better.”

For tickets and full festival programme details visit www.stratfordliteraryfestival.co.uk.