There are many things which go into making Bridport Literary Festival such a success.

Brilliant speakers and great venues are part of the mix.

Who can resist listening to a high-profile author in the glorious surroundings of the beautiful art deco Electric Palace? Or a fantastic writer in the elegant ballroom of the Bull Hotel?

The festival attracts large audiences, hungry to hear from top writers about their new books.

Year after year, the Friends of The Bridport Literary Festival get first dibs on tickets. And so they should – their support is crucial in helping the organisers to attract writers of excellence of both fiction and non-fiction to talk about their work.

For just £15 a year, or £25 for couples living at the same address, BridLit Friends receive an advance copy of the festival brochure, priority booking of tickets, free postal booking and no booking fee, regular events and gatherings, an annual party, a twice-yearly newsletter and an opportunity to get involved.

This year, Friends can enjoy a special event on Monday 20 September at Bridport Arts Centre.

Three events are lined up: Lachlan Goudie telling The Story of Scottish Art at 11am, Tom Fort talking at 2.30pm about his book, Casting Shadows, the history of freshwater fishing in Britain, and, at 4.30pm, Andrew Ziminski on The Stonemason: a History of Building Britain.

The Story of Scottish Art journeys through 5,000 years of Scottish Art. Since the Neolithic era, creativity has played a vital role in shaping the course of Scotland’s history. Artist Goudie’s tale is one of radicals and visionaries , artists with an international mind-set and a bold sense of their heritage who resolved to create work on the frontline of Western Art and Culture.

Casting Shadows explores the secret, silent world of Britain’s freshwater fish and the art and industry of fishing, which spans thousands of years. Writer Tom Fort also assesses the dangers facing many species and water environments with an appeal to protect the underwater world from industrial fishing and farming.

The Stonemason is a story about the building of Britain and is part archaeological history and yet a deeply personal insight into an ancient craft. In his 35-year career Andrew Ziminski has worked on many of the country’s greatest monuments. From Neolithic monoliths to Roman baths and temples, from the tower of Salisbury Cathedral to the engine houses, mills and aqueducts of the Industrial Revolution up to the present day.

Tickets for each Friends’ Day event are £12 or £30 for all three – Bridport TIC box office is now open for bookings.

To find out about becoming a Friend of Bridport Literary Festival, visit the ‘support us’ page on the website.