Tickets are about to go on sale for the book lovers' event of the year...the Isle of Wight Literary Festival.

From Monday, you will be able to buy tickets to hear authors and stars talk about their new volumes, giving fascinating insights in everything from history to royalty, and football to politics, plus plenty of fiction.

The festival, which runs from October 5 to October 8, is once again based at Northwood House but also has events at nearby St Mary’s Church.

New for this year is BCM-sponsored LitFeast, a celebration of food and drink, with top names giving cookery demonstrations and talking about their love of food.

The Island’s own Robert Thompson is among those confirmed, along with well-known food writer Rosemary Shrager and Saturday Kitchen wine expert Helen McGinn.

Another Islander, Dame Sheila Hancock, is among the authors, speaking about entering her ninth decade, while British institution Dame Maureen Lipman will host a musical event, and top children’s author Michael Morpurgo returns to the festival.

But it isn’t all about the household names and there is something for everybody.

This year, the festival is also pleased to announce an association with the Isle of Wight Book Awards, organised by top author and Ryde resident Hunter Davies.

Maggie Ankers, chairman of the Isle of Wight Literary Festival, said: “We are delighted that tickets are going on sale and hope that there is something for everybody in our eclectic programme.

“LitFeast is an exciting new event and we look forward to welcoming all the authors to Cowes for four days of fascinating talks.”

A full list of speakers will be confirmed on Monday.