THE first ever Worcestershire Literary Festival was a huge success – and there are already bookings for next year.

The festival ended on Monday night after 10 days packed with events across the county for people of all ages and literary tastes.

And it has not only attracted people from all over the world but also revealed the huge amount of talent Worcestershire has been hiding.

Organiser Lisa Ventura said: “One of the biggest highlights for me has been appointing the county’s first ever poet laureate. I am really looking forward to working with Theo Theobald, who won the competition.

“The tours of Worcester Cathedral library were just absolutely amazing as well. It was something I wasn’t sure I would be able to do as it is usually by appointment only, so it is a big thanks to the cathedral.”

But there have been other highlights among the workshops, readings and talks – notably, the poetry slam held at Drummonds on Sunday evening which saw Fergus McGonigal take the crown.

Ms Ventura said: “It was absolutely packed in Drummonds.”

Indeed, the event – which pitted 13 poets against each other – was so successful it has already been booked for next year’s festival, which will run from Friday, June 15, until Sunday, June 24.

“It is kind of strange that I already had events booked before this year’s festival had even ended,” said Ms Ventura.

And there will be even more exciting developments, including a link up with the other WLF, the Williamstown Literary Festival, which takes place in Australia.

It is hoped events will be live streamed on each of the websites, giving participants a chance to have a look at what literature lovers thousands of miles away are getting up to.

Sebastian Peake – son of Gormenghast author Mervyn – will be returning to Worcester to speak on Saturday, October 29, at the Fownes Hotel after 20 people missed out on his talk because they went to the wrong venue.

Money from ticket sales will be donated to Parkinson’s UK.

For more information visit worcslitfest.co.uk.