AUTHORS will gather in Bridport for the return of the popular literary festival.

The programme for this year’s Bridport Literary Festival, which will take place from November 3 to 9, has just been announced and includes bestselling authors and famous faces.

Among the star-studded line-up is gardener Carol Klein, war correspondent Lindsey Hilsum, bestselling author Andrew O’Hagan, nature writer John Lewis-Stempel, novelist and spy’s granddaughter Charlotte Philby and archaeologist Bettany Hughes.

Damian Lewis will be talking about his new biography of Paddy Mayne and the SAS, Daisy Goodwin will be in conversation about her novel, Diva, based on the life of Maria Callas, and politician Dr Liam Fox will discuss The Coming Storm: Why Water Will Write the 21st Century.

The festival, known affectionately as BridLit, is now in its 20th year.

It takes place in venues around the town and features writers from many genres – fiction, children’s books and nonfiction including politics, nature writing, history, art, poetry, memoir and the environment.

Director Tanya Bruce-Lockhart is one of the original founders of the event, which brings thousands of people to Bridport every year.

She said: "Our concept of a literary festival was to bring authors together to Bridport, at a particularly fallow time of year for the town, to talk about books and share their ideas with diverse audiences with eclectic interests.

"From humble beginnings, BridLit has grown in stature to be recognised nationally and enjoyed both by writers and all lovers of literature from across the country.

"BridLit is dependent upon the generosity of sponsors, donors and the Friends of the Bridport Literary Festival to sustain a high standard of programme of events while trying to keep ticket prices affordable."

There is also a special event in September in advance of the festival.

As previously reported, number one bestselling author Victoria Hislop, is coming to Bridport Electric Palace on Wednesday, September 18, at 2.30pm to talk about her latest novel, The Figurine.

Tickets go on general sale on August 23 and will be available from Bridport Tourist Information in Bucky Doo Square, either in person or by calling 01308 424901. There is more information on the website, bridlit.com

Priority booking is available for Friends of Bridport Literary Festival for three weeks – to find out more about becoming a Friend, visit bridlit.com/become-a-friend/