The Folkestone Book Festival 2009

Shappi Shorsandi will be sharing her cutting wit with audiences

The cover of The Folkestone Book Festival opened on Friday 6 November, with Jane Clark talking about life with husband and MP Alan.

Famous "Kentish Maid", Jo Brand also told her story, entitled "Look Back in Hunger".

Other highlights of the opening weekend include a screening of "The Other Boleyn Girl", and Vic Reeves in conversation.

There are literary events for the younger visitors too.

On 13 November, Sujata Banerjee introduces youngsters to Indian dance and movement, in a cafe in the High Street.

Susie Dent, fresh from Countdown's dictionary corner, takes a journey through the last 1500 years of English, looking at how the use of new words in the language can tell us so much about the nation's history.

The festival ends on the 14 November with Gyles Brandreth taking us on a tour around the corridors of power.

Shappi Shorsandi, who has appeared on "Live at the Apollo", "Friday Night with Jonathan Ross", and "Have I Got News For You" will be headlining the final event of the festival at Quarterhouse.