A former punk legend, comedians and writers make up a stellar line-up for a town’s second literary festival.

The Faversham Literary Festival will return next week for a second helping of literary loving.

Benenden-bred Jo Brand and author Will Self are among the authors coming to the town as part of more than 30 events featuring fiction, politics, history, cookery, poetry and nature writing.

American journalist and author Lionel Shriver will feature, along with Radio 4 host Jenni Murray and former punk legend Viv Albertine.

Kent writers include Sonia Velton, whose debut novel Blackberry & Wild Rose was published last month; Whitstable-based novelist John McGhie (White Highlands), who will be in conversation with crime writer Julie Wassmer and Indian cookery writer Chetna Makan.

Katherine May will be talking about Asperger’s and walking, while sci-fi and fantasy writing will be on the agenda for John David Griffin and Mark Stay, and Johnny Homer will be discussing ale and pubs.

Teen writers Lucy Strange and Ben Parker will be featuring and historians Pat Reid, Christine Rayner and Mary Kemp will be there, along with travel writer Mefo Phillips.

There will also be a range of children’s and teen events, including workshops on flash fiction and writing for Dr Who.

DETAILS

Faversham Literary Festival will be held from Thursday, February 21 to Sunday, February 24. For tickets and the full line-up and programme, visit favershamliteraryfestival.org, or pop to Top Hat & Tales, Shepherd Neame Visitor Centre or the Alexander Centre, all in the town.