More than three dozen people today gathered at Swindon's Central Library for the launch of this year's Swindon Festival of Literature programme.
Acclaimed authors set to take part range from conservationist Roger Morgan-Grenville, author of The Return of the Grey Partridge, to Swindon's own Eleanor Barker-White, who will be talking about her latest novel, My Name was Eden.
There will also be poets, musicians, films, workshops and other attractions.
There was particular delight that the festival is going ahead this year. as its future was in jeopardy for a while last year.
Veteran organiser Matt Holland had announced that he would no longer be involved, but some time later announced a change of circumstances which made the 2024 event possible.
Praising backers, festival team members and supporters at today's launch, he said: "There was a time in Summer last year when a festival this year looked unlikely.
"The cost of everything, as you well know, was going up; everything was becoming more challenging.
"It seemed time to take break, to reassess things and maybe see how things go.
"But then, thank goodness, things changed, and even the political scene changed, and thoughts about the festival took a turn for the better.
"With encouragement and support from key supporters and loyal supporters emerging from all sides, the festival was back on. And now here it is, the new programme!"
The festival will run from 5-12 May, beginning with a book auction and sale, and with the traditional Lawn Woods Festival Dawn Chorus at 5.30am on Monday 6 May.
Copies of the programme are being made available at libraries and other public buildings, and full details can also be found at www.swindonfestivalofliterature.co.uk
There will also be poets, musicians, films, workshops and other attractions.
There was particular delight that the festival is going ahead this year. as its future was in jeopardy for a while last year.
Veteran organiser Matt Holland had announced that he would no longer be involved, but some time later announced a change of circumstances which made the 2024 event possible.
Praising backers, festival team members and supporters at today's launch, he said: "There was a time in Summer last year when a festival this year looked unlikely.
"The cost of everything, as you well know, was going up; everything was becoming more challenging.
"It seemed time to take break, to reassess things and maybe see how things go.
"But then, thank goodness, things changed, and even the political scene changed, and thoughts about the festival took a turn for the better.
"With encouragement and support from key supporters and loyal supporters emerging from all sides, the festival was back on. And now here it is, the new programme!"
The festival will run from 5-12 May, beginning with a book auction and sale, and with the traditional Lawn Woods Festival Dawn Chorus at 5.30am on Monday 6 May.
Copies of the programme are being made available at libraries and other public buildings, and full details can also be found at www.swindonfestivalofliterature.co.uk
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