Ilminster Literary Festival is set to host a range of notable speakers later this month.
The festival, which begins on Thursday, May 29, will welcome a host of authors, poets, and journalists to share their stories, insights, and experiences.
Among the speakers is Felix Francis, the youngest son of the late jockey-turned-crime-thriller author Dick Francis.
Felix took over writing the popular series in 2006 and has since authored 13 successful crime thrillers.
His talk, scheduled for Monday, June 2, will focus on the family story behind the books.
Sam Leith, literary editor at The Spectator magazine, will also be a feature at the festival.
The award-winning journalist and non-fiction author will discuss his latest book, which examines the importance of childhood reading in shaping future adults.
He will speak on Thursday, June 5.
A.J. West, a former BBC journalist turned author, will discuss his critically acclaimed novel, The Taming of Thomas True, at Monks Yard on Thursday, June 5.
The book, set in the backstreets of Georgian London, tells the heart-rending story of two men who fall in love in a time when homosexual relationships were punishable by public execution.
His debut novel won the Historical Writers' Association Debut Crown Award.
On Sunday, June 1, renowned Faber poets Christopher Reid and Jamie McKendrick will host a joint poetry reading at the Ilminster Arts Centre.
The event promises to be a thought-provoking experience that may challenge perceptions of poetry.
Neil Hanson, a prolific author who has penned over 70 books, will return to the festival after his successful appearance in 2022.
His talk, scheduled for the opening day of the festival, will provide insights into the hidden worlds of his ghost-writing clients, who range from captains of industry to SAS men and sports stars.
Patrick McGuinness, acclaimed novelist and Oxford professor, will share his experiences of living and writing across different countries, languages, and genres.
His talk, titled 'Crossing Borders & Boundaries,' is slated for Saturday, May 31.
The festival will also feature a talk by Jon Haslam, former chief communications director in Downing Street, on Monday, June 2.
His light-hearted discussion will revolve around the "unfortunate" photographs of public figures and the stories behind them.
He will also delve into the daily battle for public attention and perception.
Share