ACTOR Brian Blessed is just one of the names appearing at this year'sChipping Norton Literary Festival.

The regular spring fixture in the town has been drawing famous faces for the past five years and will have more than 50 events over the weekend of April 21 to 24.

Facilities used include the theatre, the town hall, the Methodist Church, and the library; as well as The Chequers and the Crown & Cushion.

This year it extends to Glyme Hall for the first time, with a free shuttle bus service from the town square run by Pulham’s Coaches. The 2016 festival has a distinctly foodie flavour. WineBear and Wild Thyme are each hosting some tempting tasting events linked to food writers and bloggers. The Albion Gallery is holding an exhibition of illustrations for children’s books.

“Every year the involvement from the town’s businesses grows bigger and bigger,” said festival director Jenny Dee. “Most of our sponsors are Chippy businesses and we are incredibly grateful to them all. The authors always comment on the town’s friendly welcome and it’s fantastic to see businesses here supporting the event and benefitting from the visitor numbers.”

ChipLitFest offers all its authors a share of the profits. Organisers have been keen to extend its outreach, so as well as a full schools programme, with authors visiting local primary schools, there are now reading programmes with a local special school and a care home. The festival even has its own Fringe this year, with an open mic night at the Chequers, 7.30pm on Thursday April 21.

Speakers include Brian Blessed, Prue Leith, Ben Miller, Fay Weldon, Oliver James and David Nicholls, as well as children's authors Jo Cotterill and John Dougherty.

For a full itinerary go to www.chiplitfest.com

For tickets call 01608 642350.