The programme for this year’s Bridport Literary Festival from 3-9 November has just been announced.

Among the star-studded line-up is dancer Wayne Sleep, gardener Carol Klein, war correspondent Lindsey Hilsum, bestselling author Andrew O’Hagan, nature writer John Lewis-Stempel, novelist and spy’s granddaughter Charlotte Philby and archaeologist Bettany Hughes.

Damien Lewis will be talking about his new biography of Paddy Mayne and the SAS, Daisy Goodwin will be in conversation about her novel, Diva, based on the life of Maria Callas, and politician Dr Liam Fox will discuss The Coming Storm: Why Water Will Write the 21st Century.

The festival, known affectionately as BridLit, is now in its 20th year. It takes place in venues around the town and features writers from many genres – fiction, children’s books and nonfiction including politics, nature writing, history, art, poetry, memoir and the environment.

There is also a special event in September in advance of the festival.

Number one bestselling author Victoria Hislop, known for her historical fiction set in Greece, is coming to Bridport Electric Palace on Wednesday 18 September at 2.30pm to talk about her latest novel, The Figurine, which came out in paperback on 1 August.

There is something for readers of all tastes at this year’s festival, which is very much part of Dorset Council’s pilot initiative to designate Bridport as Dorset’s Town of Culture, which runs until December

Tickets go on general sale on 23 August and will be available from Bridport Tourist Information in Bucky Doo Square, either in person or by calling 01308 424901. There is more information on the website, bridlit.com

Priority booking is available for Friends of Bridport Literary Festival for three weeks – to find out more about becoming a Friend, visit the page on the website