The most famous Poetry Festival in the UK opens again in Ledbury for a ten-day celebration of the written word on July 4.

Big name performers lined up include the Poet Laureate Andrew Motion and television chat-show host Clive Anderson.

Other attractions in a packed programme incl-ude broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby and stars of stage and screen, Edward Fox and Jane Lapotaire.

The festival programme was officially launched in Ledbury on Friday.

Festival manager Dr Charles Bennett said: "As usual, we are offering a rich and diverse selection of events, including the best in contemporary poetry."

It was Mr Motion, who described Ledbury Poetry Festival as "the best in the country" and he will return to launch this year's celebrations in a free event at the new Ledbury Hospital.

At 4pm on Thursday, July 4, he will unveil a new piece of textile art by local artist Angie Hughes.

The work, sponsored by the EF Bulmer Benevo-lent Fund, is in celebration of the poetic memories of Ledbury's senior citizens.

The festival is known for the community workshops it runs for the elderly, and ideas from these sessions have inspired poet Fiona Sampson to produce a new work incorporated into the tapestry.

Dr Bennett said: "It is permanent and celebrates the lives of local people. I think that's important."

Mr Motion will officially launch the festival at the Market House at 6pm, before giving a reading at a ticket only event in the Community Hall at 8pm.

Tickets are expected to sell out fast for RSC actress Jane Lapotaire at Eastnor Castle, with her Heart to Heart recital of favourite verse on Friday, July 5. Her recital incl-udes a poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, who grew up at Hope End.

On July 6, Jonathan Dimbleby will be at the Community Hall with his wife Bel Mooney to take a light-hearted literary stroll through the joys and trials of marriage.

Top poets include James Fenton, who was appointed the Oxford Professor of Poetry in 1994 and U A Fanthorpe, who was shortlisted for the Laureate-ship following the death of Ted Hughes in 1998.

Dr Bennett said of her: "She is one of the most popular English poets and can be mischievous; a one women rebellion."

Amusing mischief is also expected from Clive Anderson, who will take to the stage of the Comm-unity Hall on July 13 to discuss his literary passions and dislikes with Francine Stock.

Mr Anderson, a barrister, is known for his quick-fire wit and his television shows, Clive Anderson Talks Back and Whose Line is it Anyway?

The "outrageous, socialist, gay, transvestite performance poet" Chloe Poems is also sure to have them guffawing and tutting in the aisles, when "she" performs at the Market Theatre on Saturday, July 13, in her "pretty gingham frock".

Ledbury's famous free Town Party on Saturday, July 6, from 7pm, is sure to pack out the High Street and bands this year will include the West African sensation Abana and the Cajun rhythm masters Baton Rouge.

Home grown talent will be on show during the festival. The Shell House Gallery will host an exhibition of poetry-inspired paintings called I See What I Hear, by local schoolchildren.

John Burns and friends will be "Playing Faust and Louche" with Poetry Cabaret in the Royal Hall, and the local writers' group, The Ledbury Scribes will take over the Black Pepper Carvery again for an evening of readings.

Last year, the event proved to be so popular, people were queuing down the street and still could not get in.

Tickets and festival details are available on the booking hotline, 0845 458 1743.