A JAM-PACKED programme of reading, workshops and events will kick off this year’s Taunton Literary Festival.

It’s a milestone for the festival as it celebrates its fifth year and the line-up is sure to have something for everyone to enjoy as 40 authors prepare to descend on the county town.

Organiser Lionel Ward, of Brendon Books, said: “This year is interesting, we have a mix of national and even some international authors and speakers but about a third of the people do have some sort of local connection.

“We’ve also got one or two workshops for people to take part in as well, including a book binding session, and the festival kicks off with a Shakespeare drop-in session.”

The festival takes place over 21 days, bringing authors, historians, scientists, poets and politicians together.

There’s some acclaimed names bringing a wealth of topics with them but Lionel says the organisation of the event takes a lot of dedication and patience.

He added: “We’ve been running Brendon Books for 26 years now so we are quite established which I think helps with getting authors to come along, but it does take a lot of persistence.

“For all the big names we get, there’s a lot that we don’t get – you have to make a lot of contact and do a lot of chasing.”

The festival kicks off on November 7 with a free Shakespeare drop-in session in the morning at Taunton Library.

Politics is then to the fore with a talk from Vince Cable at Richard Huish College at 2pm with an event presided over by the mayor to officially launch the festival.

Other highlights include a talk by Martin Bell and an evening with actress Sunny Ormonde, Lilian Bellamy of the Archers.

There will then be a further two weeks of continued variety including a free talk on romantic fiction, a bake-off talk, children’s events and associated events.

“There’s a lot of variety and we have associated events with the Brewhouse, Tacchi-Morris and other local places, which I think is important.

“It’s a community event so we want to incorporate as much of the community as we can.

“It’s all go for us at Festival HQ and there really is something for everyone.

“We’re hoping more people than ever will join us to be inspired and entertained in Taunton’s biggest celebration of books.”

The festival kicks off on November 7 until November 28.

For more information including a programme and tickets, visit tauntonliteraryfestival.net or pop into Brendon Books in Bath Place.

You can also call 01823 337742.