A CELEBRITY chef was a major draw for a town's book festival.

Shipston Bookfest organisers are delighted after more than 1,000 people attend events across the town in a week of bookworm activities. 

Local up-and-coming authors as well as well-known celebrity stars such Great British Bake Off star Prue Leith drew crowds from across Shipston and neighbouring villages. 

Before the festival took place, director Alan Hurcombe hoped the event would become part of Shipston's cultural calendar and whilst no promises have been made, the team is hopeful for a return in 2025.

Alan Hurcombe, Shipston Bookfest director, said: "It really was an outstanding success. 

"It was a delight to run but obviously we were all a bit nervous with it being the first one.

"All events went well, they were all greatly attended by the town's community, surrounding villages and authors.

"I would say we had somewhere between 1,300 and 1,400 people attended over the course of the week and we had multiple events sell out, not just Prue Leith from The Great British Bake Off, but also less well-known local authors sell out.

"I think everyone was delighted because we deliberately chose venues with a more intimate feel but where people wouldn't feel cramped and it worked well."

The festival ran from September 21 to September 29 and consisted of more than 20 events, including Q&A's, a murder mystery and a dramatisation of a history book by the local amateur dramatics group.

Mr Hurcombe continued: "Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, we are just going through all of the feedback from at the moment but they are all really positive. 

"It's a little too early to know if we will be back next year but I'm optimistic. 

"The results talk for themselves, over 1,000 people, multiple events sold out and over 300 books sold. 

"I don't want to promise anything but we've clearly had great feedback and we have momentum behind us so it would be nice to think that we might be back in 2025."