A literary festival boasting a star-studded line-up of best-selling authors, comedians, screenwriters and food critics returns to a seaside town.

The Creative Folkestone Book Festival, curated by award-winning author and journalist Sophie Haydock, will once again celebrate reading and writing with guest speakers such as Helen Lederer, David Nicholls and Jay Rayner.

This year’s festival will open with a talk from American author Tracy Chevalier, known for her 1999 bestseller Girl With a Pearl Earring.

The 11-date programme will then continue with renowned writers such as One Day author David Nicholls, Women's Prize for Fiction winner Ali Smith, novelist and Booker Prize winner Alan Hollinghurst and the Boy in the Striped Pyjamas writer John Boyne.

Comedy fans can also catch Absolutely Fabulous star Helen Lederer talking about her new memoir, Not That I’m Bitter, ahead of switching on the Creative Quarter’s Christmas lights in the Old High Street from 5.30pm.

The line-up also includes live events with food critic Jay Rayner, Harry Potter stunt double David Holmes and Doctor Who showrunner and Sherlock creator Steven Moffat.

Speaking about the festival, Sophie said: “I am incredibly proud to be curating this festival that comes with a rich history of bringing incredible thinkers to this inspiring town.

“Folkestone has become my home, and it has been a privilege to work with the community of readers, writers, and book lovers of the town to create a festival that speaks to as many people as possible.”

The Creative Folkestone Book Festival takes place from Thursday, November 14 to Sunday, November 24. Tickets can be booked online here.

The events will take place at the Quarterhouse. You can book tickets separately or purchase a festival pass to access all events.