WHEN Will Self attended York’s Literature Festival, he spoke of “everythingitis” - the need to get as much in his books as he can. Without knowing it, Self could have been talking about this year’s stellar line up.

Take Polly Toynbee; what topic hasn’t she covered? And Dr David Starkey, the UK’s leading constitutional historian, who promises a riveting insight into how York came to be one of the most important cities in England.

Indeed it is including a growing reputation in the arts. And no wonder when you look at the list, from Illuminating York to the Mystery Plays.

First up for 2015 is the Literature Festival, for which we have Miles Salter to thank. It promises to kick off another great season for the city.