Many events have already sold out for BBC History Magazine’s History Weekend in Malmesbury, which is being held this month.

Nearly 40 historians, authors and TV personalities will be in Malmesbury, which hosted last year’s sell-out festival.

There are almost twice as many speakers and two extra venues for the festival, which runs from Thursday to Sunday, October 16-19, and tickets are selling fast.

Tickets are available for former Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown’s talk on The French Resistance And The Battle For The Vercors 1944 on Thursday but broadcaster and historian Dan Snow’s talk on exploring the myths and realities of the First World War on the Sunday has sold out.

Malmesbury’s 12th- century Abbey, Cloister Gardens, Town Hall and The Old Bell hotel will all be in operation at different times as venues.

Rob Attar, editor of BBC History Magazine, said: “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.”

Tickets are available by logging on to www.historyweekend.com