YORK Literature Festival, due to feature a stellar line-up of writers, musicians and poets, looks set to be the most successful to date, organisers have said.

Names including novelist Will Self, Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, author of Girl With A Pearl Earring Tracy Chevalier and Round Ireland With A Fridge author Tony Hawks feature in the line-up for the festival, which will run from today until March 24.

More than 1,300 tickets have already been sold and numerous appearances sold out for the festival, which is now in its seventh year.

Miles Salter, festival director said: “It has been some of the best advance sales we have ever had.

“It’s fantastic – we have had a really good response. It’s a stronger line up this year with more recognisable names than we have had previously and I think people are more aware of it than they have been before.”

Events will take place across the city including a guided walk around Literary York and there will be a celebration of the work of Bob Dylan and Charlie Chaplin and a night dedicated to women artists and events for families and children.

The event has been supported for the first time by an Arts Council grant of £6,000.

Venues will include York St John University, St Peter’s School, the Black Swan and City Screen.

For tickets and further listings information go to yorkliteraturefestival.co.uk, phone York Theatre Royal on 01904 623568, or visit yorktheatreroyal.co.uk for tickets.