BELOVED authors, musicians, actors and historians will visit Wimborne next month for a festival dedicated to celebrating books.

The seventh annual Wimborne Literary Festival will take place between May 13 and 21, with 30 talks and workshops planned over the course of the week.

Big names lined up for the popular festival include Robert Daws, known for his work in series Jeeves and Wooster and Outside Edge, art historian and presenter Dan Cruickshank and Blackadder actor Tony Robinson.

The event is organised by Malcolm Angel, a former mayor who owns Gullivers Bookshop in the High Street.

He said: "I'm excited about all of our events this year.

"I'm particularly pleased to welcome Tony Robinson to the festival. That's going to be really lovely and great fun.

"It's a wonderful programme though and there are some really fantastic things happening."

The first festival took place in November 2011. Five talks took place.

Since then, the event has grown each year. Next month's festival will feature entertainment held in venues such as the Allendale Centre, the Priest's House Museum, cafe Cantina and the library.

Book lovers can also head outside as Mary-Ann Ochota leads a walk at Badbury Rings.

Malcolm said: "The idea is that there's something for everyone.

"We will also run a number of events for children. Illustrator Martin Brown, who is just brilliant, will be with us, as will Kristina Stephenson, the author of Sir Charlie Stinky Socks."

Pete Atkin, songwriting partner of broadcaster Clive James, will also give a talk with writer Ian Shircore.

Clive, who was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2010, is to appear via a video link.

Malcolm said: "There will be at least half an hour between all events apart from two.

"We wanted to make it so that those who want to attend virtually every event can."

Every talk and workshop is listed during the afternoon this year for the first time.

"It gives people more leisure time in the town - people can spend the day and go for lunch," Malcolm said.

"It'll be lovely."

For more information, or to book tickets, visit wimborneliteraryfestival.co.uk