THIS November marks the seventh annual Yeovil Literary Festival.

This year’s festival includes a variety of well-known literary figures, comedians and celebrities, along with new and emerging writers lined-up to visit South Somerset.

On Thursday, October 31, co-creator and star of the cult MTV show Dirty Sanchez, Matt Pritchard will present his new book Dirty Vegan at the Octagon Theatre, followed by a cookery demonstration at The Emporium Café.

Friday, November 1 sees the arrival of best-selling author and broadcaster Dan Jones at The Swan Theatre and David Laws at The Octagon Theatre.

Hostage negotiator Terry Waite will also be appearing at The Octagon Theatre as well and founder of Glastonbury Festival, Michael Eavis will be talking about the stories behind the headlines and introducing his sumptuous new book, Glastonbury 50.

On Saturday, November 2, professional racing driver and self-confessed rule breaker Jason Plato will be talking about his escapades and How Not To Be A Professional Racing Driver in this thrilling talk at The Octagon Theatre.

Vaseem Khan is a firm favourite at Yeovil Literary Festival and he makes a welcome return to Yeovil Library this year to share his last instalment in the hugely entertaining Inspector Chopra series.

Chard & Ilminster News:

Join The Great British Bake-Off judge Prue Leith in the afternoon as she talks about her life, passion for food and her career as a bestselling author.

Sunday, November 3 welcomes British Art Historian and BBC Presenter Dan Cruickshank’s talk that will examine the memorials to the British and Imperial dead in this fascinating and ultimately uplifting story.

Strictly Come Dancing favourite Anton Du Beke will be chatting about his career and introducing his stunning new novel, Moonlight Over Mayfair at The Octagon Theatre.

Fans of SAS Who Dares Wins can look forward to meeting Mark ‘Billy’ Billingham at Westlands Entertainment Venue in an exciting evening of inspirational speaking and stories of his years as a former Bodyguard to the stars including Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and Tom Cruise.

Chard & Ilminster News:

On Monday, November 4, The Yeovil Literary Festival will play host to four inspiring children’s events featuring the award-winning author Emma Carroll, former Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq, broadcaster and journalist Clare Balding and bestselling author David Solomons.

Adam Burgan, Festival Director said: “We are exceptionally proud of our stellar line-up for this year’s Yeovil Literary Festival. Over the last six years the festival has become one of the cornerstone events of the South West’s literary calendar and with over 50 inspiring and entertaining talks on offer this year, we hope our patrons feel spoilt for choice and enjoy discovering new authors, along with old favourites.”

The Yeovil Literary Festival runs from October 31 until November 4. For more information visit yeovilliteraryfestival.co.uk