THE dates have been announced for this year’s Marlborough Literary Festival, which returns for its 11th year from September 24-27.

The big book names have yet to be announced as the programme is still being put together.

This year’s LitFest aims to inspire with a breadth of authors and events featuring new and young writers as well as established names in fiction and non-fiction, children’s authors, workshops and poetry events.

LitFest has also made the shortlist for the arts culture and music category of the Wiltshire Life Awards 2020, with the results due to be announced in March.

Genevieve Clarke, chairman of Marlborough LitFest, said: “We’re thrilled and very grateful to have been shortlisted for this award. All credit to everyone who has contributed to the festival over the last 10 years.”

Festival brochures will be available in late June; the festival box office will open in early July, and the event will as usual be covered in the Gazette and Herald. For more information, visit www.marlboroughlitfest.org