RENOWNED authors, playwrights and political figures will once again appear in Cheltenham at the annual Festival of Literature.

This year's guests include comedian Alexei Sayle, author Martin Amis, journalist Kate Adie and political campaigner Tony Benn, among a host of literary luminaries.

The festival kicks off tomorrow (Saturday), with a reading and talk from Donna Tartt, author of The Secret History and more recently, The Little Friend.

Evelyn Waugh's life and work will be the subject of a talk at the town hall on October 13, by W F Deedes, Nicholas Rankin and Alexander Waugh, who have all played a part in the author's life.

Writer Martin Amis will be making a rare appearance on October 16, to discuss his latest book, Yellow Dog.

On October 30, one of the country's most well-known war correspondents, Kate Adie, will be discussing her new book, Corsets to Camouflage, which looks at the role of women in conflicts throughout history.

A wide range of children's events will also be taking place, from Just William Live, featuring the voice of 'William', Martin Jarvis, to award-winning novelists Gillian Cross, Sally Prue and Avi talking about their new books.

For more details phone 01242 227979.