Cheltenham Literature Festival Line-up

August is here and for Cheltenham book lovers that means the tickets for Cheltenham Literature Festival are on sale. Eagerly flicking through the pages of the Festival programme they are working out which events to see this year. 2007 brings to Cheltenham yet again a fine selection of world renown writers, comedians, actors, directors, poets, journalists, musicians and politicians, offering over 230 events with over 400 guest speakers. There is certainly something for everyone.

The first day of the Festival, Friday, 5th October presents Eric Hobsbawm, world-famous historian, author of more than 500 books, articles and reviews in numerous languages, who will be discussing his life and pursuit of happiness and peace. Peter Jones, the famous dragon from BBC’s Dragon’s Den, will be giving a lecture on how to turn ideas in successful business while all fans of the series M*A*S*H will be pleased to hear that Alan Alda, the famous Hawkeye from 4077, will be appearing in the Centaur talking about his autobiography. History enthusiasts can also rejoice as David Dimbleby, and Peter and Dan Snow will be on hand to give their talks on the historical subjects – the former on Britain’s architecture and the latter on 20th century battlefields. In the evening Jools Holland will give festival goers insight into his life and music. Alastair Campbell also comes to Cheltenham to talk about The Blair Years and his personal experience of life in Number 10.

For early birds Saturday offers Michael Wood, historian and TV presenter, who will be talking about India, its history, architecture and landscape. And if that isn’t enough to give you the traveller’s bug, Michael Palin is there to show you the gems of New Europe, 20 countries previously hidden behind the Iron Curtain. Tony Benn finds time to come to Cheltenham every year and this time he is joining a discussion with Oona King. For Private Eye and Have I Got News for you fans Saturday brings a talk with Ian Hislop who will discuss his remarkable career of the most sued man in English legal history. Another cup of comedy is waiting in the form of Jo Brand who will be talking about her work as a stand-up comedian.Later in the evening, Sebastian Faulks revisits Cheltenham to discuss his new novel.

On Sunday and Monday festival goers can enjoy a talk from William Hague about the life and career of William Wilberforce, who led the parliamentary campaign to abolish the transatlantic slave trade. Fans of TV sitcoms can meet the cast and director of the award winning comedy The Thick of It as well as Liz Smith, the best-loved nana from the Royle Family. Film lovers will join Simon Callow for his discussion of the life and work of the Hollywood legend Orson Welles and then aim for the Town Hall to enjoy a talk by Ken Loach, one of Britain’s most renowned directors.

Tuesday and Wednesday bring talks from historian Max Hastings, gardening guru Carol Klein, food critic A A Gill, explorer Ranulph Fiennes and actor Keith Allen. Andrew Marr will come to talk about history of modern Britain and Julian Clary will introduce his debut novel. On Thursday, the former Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown will investigate successes and failures of building peace in 21st century Europe and on Friday, John Simpson will discuss his latest book. Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond will be talking about his life and his remarkable recovery from his recent accident. Top Gear fans will be heading delighted to see James May joining him at the Festival on Saturday. However Saturday is devoted to comedy – trickster and comedian Dom Joly, GP-turned-comedian Harry Hill and pub landlord Al Murray will entertain Cheltenham audience. Sunday offers a historical talk by David Starky on the subject of monarchy, insight into the research in the field of fertility by Robert Winston, as well as Jackie Stewart’s account of the world of Formula 1. Griff Rhys Jones will then explore Britain’s highest places with his discussion of his new book on British mountains.

2007 Cheltenham Literature Festival promises to be as interesting and engaging as all previous years. Tickets will surely get snapped up as quickly as last year so please if you are considering seeing some of the events do not hesitate and get your tickets as soon as possible. Still, if you miss some of your favourite authors, you can catch up with them at The Times Online where podcasts of events will be available for free.