Book festival line-up announced

Michael Palin will be among the well-known authors at the festival

Travel writer and actor Michael Palin and Olympic rower Sir Steve Redgrave will be among the star turns at this year's Cheltenham Literature Festival.

The festival, which celebrates its 60th anniversary in October, features more than 600 speakers, 400 events and 10 days of literary speakers.

Comedians David Walliams and Jack Dee have also been booked to discuss their respective writings.

The festival runs from 9 to 18 October in the Gloucestershire town.

Others confirmed include John Irving, author of The World According To Garp, who won an Academy Award for his screenplay of The Cider House Rules.

Jeremy Paxman, Stephen Fry and comedy duo Mitchell and Webb will also appear.

They will be joined by writer Monica Ali, former BBC correspondent Rageh Omaar, best-selling children's writer Anthony Horowitz, comedian Mark Watson and novelist Jonathan Coe.

The programme announcement was made by festival director Sarah Smyth at a launch party in the town.