The two-day celebration of the writer's craft has attracted some huge names since it was established in 2004, including Rumpole author the late Sir John Mortimer, crime writer PD James, Lord Douglas Hurd, Poet Laureate Andrew Motion and actor Steven Berkoff.

One of the organisers, John Duncan, said: "This is the seventh festival. It has established a certain reputation, here in Northants, as an unstuffy occasion where notable speakers and their public enjoy each other's company.

"Books are signed and sold. The locally-provided food and drink, and the 'craic' and conversation, sparkle. Fans return year by year for a memorable day out with a difference.

"Northants is identified by Michael Gove, the shadow education secretary, as containing little-known gems of English countryside.

"Kings Sutton certainly lives up to that - thatch, village green, fine trees, three pubs, and the 'finest spire in Northamptonshire'."

Other guests this year are set to include Professor David Crystal, author of the Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English Language; journalists and authors Lucy Cavendish and Miranda Glover; former politician Lord Giles Radice; and biographers Lyndall Gordon and Sir Michael Holroyd.

Colin Dexter will discuss the art of creating crooks with Felix Francis, son of Dick Francis, while author Justin Cartwright will discuss his latest book To Heaven by Water.

Other attractions include a poetry event with the local school, a literary quiz in the White Horse pub, art in the church with local known artist Margot Bell, and a supper and jazz evening.

Proceeds from the festival help pay for the restoration of King's Sutton's magnificent parish church.
Visit http://kslitfest.co.uk for more information.