This weekend Sidmouth will become the place to be for book lovers, writers and culture vultures as Sidmouth Literary Festival takes over Kennaway House.

The festival, taking place on Saturday and Sunday (June 8-9), brings together authors from around the country for a celebration of the written word.

Headlining this year's festival is acclaimed author Ann Cleeves, whose novels have been adapted into the popular televisions series Vera and Shetland.

Tim Pears will revisit Sidmouth as his West Country Trilogy draws to a conclusion with his latest offering, The Redeemed.

International best-selling writers Lesley Pearse and Ruth Ware will be joined by Sidmouth's own literary star Jane Corry, to talk about the crossover between crime, romance and family drama that drives their writing.

For fans of non-fiction, bestselling historian Giles Milton will make an appearance, as well as craftsman Alex Woodcock.

Giles' new book, D-Day: The Soldiers' Story, is particularly timely as we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Normandy landings on June 6.

Alex will be talking about his time as resident stonemason at Exeter Cathedral.

Aspiring writers will be pleased to know that a How to Get Published workshop will be held on Sunday, tickets are limited so book now to avoid disappointment.

A spokesman for the festival said: "We would like to thank Sidmouth Town Council and the Keith Owen Fund for their support this year. In addition we are extremely grateful to all the volunteers whose hard work makes this event possible.

"Thanks also to The Blue Ball Inn, The Victoria Hotel and the Hotel Riviera for offering accommodation to our authors."

This year's festival is in association with Winstone's Independent bookseller, based in Sidmouth.

Single Event tickets cost £8, a Weekend Pass costs £35, tickets for the Ann Cleeves Event cost £10 and booking a spot on the How To Get Published Workshop costs £25.

For help or further information call 01395 579969 or click the red button below.