A star-studded literature festival is set to return later this year.

The Chipping Campden Literature Festival, from Monday, May 6 to Saturday, May 11, will feature experts of a variety of fields, including academics, biographers, novelists, lawyers, playwrights, human rights activists, and more.

Speakers such as Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, John Sweeney, Stuart Maconie, Daniel Finkelstein, Sir Stanley Wells, Eleanor Catton, and Laura Cumming will all feature.

 

 

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Event formats have been designed to cater to a range of interests.

Panels will tackle serious issues like human rights in Russia and China, with special guest Marina Litvinenko presenting her thoughts.

Fans of theatre will be treated to readings from actors such as Sir Simon Russell Beale and David Troughton, while comedian Helen Lederer's memoir is sure to draw laughs.

Music and art lovers may enjoy live cabaret performances of Noel Coward's songs and illustrated talks on art by Cumming and Devika Singh.

Festival goers can also anticipate discussions on diverse topics spanning from the Barclay Brothers' dynasty, the world's water crisis, to the standards in public life in the UK.

The festival has said it is committed to fostering accessibility for all, with state school students having the opportunity to apply for free tickets to all the festival's events.

Interested students can contact vicky@campdenlitfest.co.uk.

The Cidermill Theatre, associated with the local secondary school, will serve as the venue for all events on Monday, May 6 and Saturday, May 11, as well as evening events from Tuesday, May 7 to Friday, May 10.

Meanwhile, smaller daytime events from Tuesday to Friday will be hosted in various venues around the town, including the Montrose suite in the Cotswold House Hotel.

The festival aims to promote art and entertainment, as well as encouraging dialogue on challenging subjects.

Further details about the festival and ticket bookings can be found at campdenmayfestivals.co.uk.

This story was amended after an error within the source material was brought to our attention.