YEOVIL's Literary Festival is kicking off this week, with an impressive lineup of celebrity and local authors visiting the town  — including Martin Clunes, Fern Britton, Kate Humble, Simon Armitage, David Walliams, and many more.

The festival, which holds most of its events over the weekend of October 24 to 28, will begin with early events from Somerset authors Hazel Prior, Nikki May, and Sharon Jacksties taking place at Yeovil Libary on Friday, October 18.

Another early event will be held on Saturday, October 19, with Sunday Times bestselling novelist AJ West, and best-selling Mendips writer Rebecca Thorne.

Big names will be gracing Westlands' Ballroom from Thursday, October 24, when Doc Martin actor Martin Clunes will discuss his new book Meetings with Remarkable Animals, followed by celebrated scientist Richard Fortey, Clarkson's Farm star Kaleb Cooper [sold out], and Poet Laureate Simon Armitage.

Sunday Times bestselling author Amy Jeffs will kick off events on Friday, October 25, at the Wheeldon Suite in Westlands. The Chase's Paul Sinha is next on the line-up, discussing his coming-of-age memoir One Sinha Lifetime, at Westlands Ballroom.

Events also taking place on Friday, October 25, include, award-winning slam poet Vanessa Kisuule, best-selling historical fiction writer Conn Iggulden, and much-loved TV presenter Kate Humble.

Saturday, October 26, will be a jam-packed day, with Strictly Coming Dancing professional and presenter Janette Manrara leading the way, followed by Countdown's Susie Dent, international bestselling author Bridget Collins, award-winning medieval historian Helen Castor, Book of the Year winner Clare Chambers, and Andrew Child, who will be discussing Too Deep  — the 29th in the Jack Reacher thriller novel series, and the fifth collaboration between Andrew and his brother Lee Child.

That same day, Somerset author Susannah Walker will discuss her new book The Hard Way, which asks 'why is it radical for women to walk alone in the countryside when men have been doing so for centuries?'

Also on Saturday, October 26, Crime fiction author Vaseem Khan will explore Agatha Christie’s life and writing. Followed by former Labour MP Alan Johnson, discussing his new novel Death on the Thames, and non-fiction on Prime Minister Harold Wilson.

Her Honour Wendy Joseph KC will discuss her examination of four gripping trials in her new book, Rough Justice.

Headlining Saturday night is comedian Ben Elton, with 'Authentic Stupidity' [sold out].

Sunday, October 27, begins with Coronation Street actor Sue Cleaver discussing her debut book A Work In Progress.

Also featuring on Sunday: Orlando Murrin - a renowned chef-hotelier in Somerset and South-West France with his first novel Knife Skills for Beginners; world-leading storyteller Lesley Pearse, Former RAF Hercules Captain Scott Bateman; comedian and best-selling author David Walliams; Author and broadcaster Iain Dale; a Debut Fiction Panel from Matt Coyne, Jennie Godfrey & Samuel Burr; The Times Literary Supplement's science editor, Samuel Graydon, on Einstein; local poet Sheila Hopkins launching Dancing to Your Tune and Flowers in a Jar; Tom Mead & SJ Bennett 'In conversation'; one of Britain's best-loved horticulturists Carol Klein; and Sunday headliner broadcasting legend and national treasure, Fern Britton.

On Monday, October 28, Legendary ballet dancer and entertainer Wayne Sleep will be speaking on his laugh-out-loud and gossip-filled memoir. Followed by award-winning author Donal Ryan with his latest book Heart, Be at Peace, and mystery author, actor and comedian Julian Clary.

The final author of the Yeovil Literary Festival event is Hollywood actor Luke Evans who will discuss his intimate memoir, The Boy from the Valleys, on Saturday, November 16.

Tickets for all events can be purchased at www.yeovilliteraryfestival.co.uk/whats-on, several events have sold out or are selling fast.

Yeovil's Literary Festival started 12 years ago when a small group of like-minded individuals got together to discuss putting on a festival in the town.

Marcus Bishop, manager of Yeovil's Waterstones, Adam Burgan, then the local theatre manager, Liz Pike, chair of the Yeovil Arts Association charity, and Emma Mercer from Somerset Libraries put together a wish list.

Originally the group were told it wouldn't work as "Yeovil just wasn't literary enough!" From that meeting, the Yeovil Literary Festival was born and has continued to grow year after year, now welcoming over 8,000 visitors across the weekend.

The festival is "friendly, diverse and inclusive" and offers something for every kind of reader, whether you enjoy contemporary fiction, crime, history, cookery, showbiz autobiographies, gardening, politics, science...you name it.

Marcus Bishop has worked at Yeovil's Waterstones for over 35 years and has seen the town change enormously. He believes "the thirst for arts and culture in the area has never been stronger".

He added: "The festival creates such a huge buzz in the town, and book lovers come in droves to lap up the events on offer. It takes most of the year to put together, going backwards and forwards with publicists and sponsors, but it's worth every moment spent on it."