Organisers of this year’s Penzance LitFest (July 3 to 6) have released its 2019 programme.

As well as local talent, it will host some leading lights of the national literary stage including Man Booker Prize-winner Alan Hollinghurst, acclaimed crime writers John Harvey and Jane Corry and the award-winning poet Kate Clanchy.

Art historian, broadcaster and St Ives resident Michael Bird will present highlights from life-story interviews with many of the best-known artists of the 20th century, biographer Laurence Green will discuss his new book about the Cornish poet Charles Causley and cathedral stonemason Alex Woodcock will explore the South West architecture that inspired him to take up the craft.

Marine writer and whale expert Philip Hoare will explore the elusive lure of the sea and its enigmatic creatures, novelist and journalist Damian Barr will reveal how a Cornish woman helped inspire his powerful debut novel about the Boer War, and the travel writer Horatio Clare will discuss some of his most extraordinary journeys with fellow author Philip Marsden.

Introducing this year’s festival, novelist Patrick Gale said: “It’s a terrific achievement that Penzance LitFest, the country’s first and last book festival, is still with us a decade on from when it started.

“Penzance may not have a famous beach, or the Tate, but it has a thriving, world-class book festival of which it can be justly proud!”

In all the event will feature over 40 author talks, together with writing workshops, a Publishing Day and an evening celebrating Cornish music and culture.

Entry to most of the events will be £4. Free copies of the printed programme are available at libraries, bookshops, cafes and galleries throughout Cornwall.

Tickets for the festival can be purchased online from crbo.co.uk or by phone on 01726 879500.

Full details of all the events and the authors taking part can be found at pzlitfest.co.uk