THE ANNUAL literature festival in Beverley will be held between October 6 and 16, featuring appearances by top-selling authors.

Crime writers Val McDermid and Mark Billingham will share a platform with thriller writer Tom Rob Smith. Jon Ronson, author of The Men Who Stare At Goats, will also appear.

Literary historians will give talks and exhibitions on a variety of topics, including Ian Fleming’s experience as a commando in the Second World War the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible, and period music and readings.

A programme of creative writing workshops will also be available to give people the chance to pick up tips about novel writing and playwriting.

The children’s literature festival will be bigger than ever, with readers’ events, word-based activities and lots of performances from some of the best children’s authors around.

Coun Jane Evison, the council’s portfolioholder for rural issues and cultural services, said: “The Beverley Literature Festival goes from strength to strength and has firmly established itself as a keenly awaited event in the festival calendar.

“It is one of several popular and successful festivals in Beverley, supported by the council, which help boost trade and raise the town’s tourism profile, as well as providing excellent entertainment.”

Full details and tickets are available on 01482 392699, from Beverley Tourist Information Centre in Butcher Row, and from bevlit.org