A HOST of published stars are coming to Ilminster as the town’s literary festival returns for its second year.

The first events are set to be held on May 31 with Elizabeth Rapp leading a poetry workshop at The Retreat, followed by Ilminster Memory Cafe’s favourite poems read aloud in the Minster Rooms, and Tim Scott Bolton hosting a lunch and talk on Capability Brown landscapes and beyond at Best Western Shrubbery Hotel.

The festival, which will run until June 8, will feature international authors such as Paddy Ashdown, Peter Horacek, Terry Waite CBE and Lieutenant General Sir Freddie Viggers.

Workshops on offer include poetry, creative writing and illustrations for children and adults. Venues for the festival’s events includes Monks Yard and Whitelackington Village Hall.

Gemma Verdon, festival chairman for 2017, said: “The Ilminster Literary Festival features in excess of 30 events being held in a variety of venues around the market town of Ilminster.

“We are delighted to welcome Terry Waite, Paddy Ashdown and Rosie Millard together with talented authors.

“Local interest comes in the form of Capability Brown landscapes, cookery, historical sagas and children’s story telling.

“Adult and children’s workshops are taking place for illustrating, poetry and creative writing.

“The programme is packed with events, which will appeal to children and adults, some will be accompanied by light refreshments, a traditional Somerset cream tea or a light lunch and a comic poet should have the audience giggling.

“Support is very important, the community has really helped the volunteer committee put Ilminster on the Literary Map.

“We hope people are inspired to get involved in any way.”

For more information, and to buy tickets for the festival’s many events, visit www.ilminsterliteraryfestival.org or go to Just Things in Ilminster.