Marlborough’s independent book shop was the obvious venue at which to launch the 2016 Marlborough festival of Literature on Thursday evening.
The new brochure was unveiled and tickets made available to the town’s book-lovers.
The launch was attended by festival volunteers and corporate supporters, including headline sponsor Brewin Dolphin.
The 2016 programme offers over 30 events during the festival weekend, including fiction and non-fiction, poetry, children’s events and the annual Big Town Read, covering themes of history, biography, humour, poetry, politics and prize-winning fiction as well as a celebration of Shakespeare.
Among the top attractions are appearances by War Horse author Michael Morpurgo, international selling crime author Peter James, and former Today Show presenter James Naughtie, who will be discussing his latest spy thriller.
Children’s author Abi Elphinstone talking to local primary school children, Jessie Burton will be talking about the follow up to her million-selling debut novel, The Miniaturist, and award-winning poet Sarah Howe will be leading a workshop, as well as performing her poetry during the Festival Finale.
The festival runs from Friday, September 30 to Sunday, October 2. Tickets and programme catalogues are available from The White Horse Bookshop, High Street, Marlborough or online at www.poundarts.org.uk