A LINE-UP of household names from the worlds of politics, journalism, stage and screen, descend on the Crown Hotel in Harrogate from October 19 to 22 for the Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival.

Star acts include renowned broadcaster, Joan Bakewell, who will discuss her memoir, Stop the Clocks and Woman’s Hour presenter, Dame Jenni Murray with A History of Britain in 21 Women.

Journalist Miranda Sawyer is in conversation with Marina Benjamin, author of The Middlepause, as the two authors redefine the fifty-something woman. For outdoorsy-types, explore A Year in the Life of the Yorkshire Shepherdess with the TV sensation, Amanda Owen.

Steve Coogan played Martin Sixsmith in the award-winning film Philomena. He’ll be discussing his deeply personal, Ayesha’s Gift. Broadcaster Peter Snow and his wife, Anna MacMillan talk of their book War Stories: Gripping Tales of Courage, Cunning and Compassion.

Literary lovers can be swept away with Victoria Hislop, the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Trouble with Goats and Sheep, Joanna Cannon, and queen of chic lit Sophie Kinsella.

Other top names include the former MP, Jonathan Aitken, mountaineer Chris Bonington, actress Lisa Faulkner, Ann Widdecombe, Erica Wagner and Denise Welch.

There’ll be an on-site bookshop from Waterstones and book signings after each event. Tickets from £10. Book online www.harrogateinternationalfestivals.com Box Office: 01423 562 303.