HIistory lovers hoping to attend BBC History Magazine’s hugely popular weekend festival this autumn should move quickly, as tickets are selling out fast.

Run by the UK’s bestselling and most authoritative history title, 2014’s History Weekend promises to be even bigger and better than last year’s inaugural event, with almost twice as many speakers and two extra venues.

Close to 40 top-name historians, authors and television personalities will be speaking over the course of the weekend.

This year’s line-up includes the former Liberal Democrat leader Lord Paddy Ashdown, acclaimed author Hilary Mantel, historian and broadcaster Dan Snow and author, broadcaster and journalist Earl Spencer. The programme will feature talks and lectures on topics ranging from Richard III and the myths and realities of World War One, to the French Resistance and Viking adventures.

Rob Attar, editor of BBC History Magazine, says: “Last year’s event was a huge success and the line-up for 2014 is even stronger than before. I spoke to many people last time around who were disappointed not to have got tickets to the events they wanted, so if you are planning to attend, I would recommend booking as soon as you’re able to.”

BBC History Magazine will once again be working with Malmesbury School, with pupils involved in meeting and greeting the speakers and introducing talks over the weekend.

For the full line-up and further info see www.historyweekend.com