ONE of Britain’s best-loved radio presenters, Simon Mayo will be discussing his life and career as well as his debut adult novel in the first Ilkley Literature Festival event of 2018 at the Kings Hall on Tuesday, April 24.

The host of BBC Radio 2’s Drivetime show and co-presenter of Kermode and Mayo’s Film Review on BBC Radio 5 Live is one of the best-known voices in radio but Simon Mayo is also a passionate reader, regularly hosting the Radio Two Book Club as part of his show. He is the author of several books for children and young adults, including the popular Itch series.

Along with discussing his career in broadcasting, Simon will be introducing his first book for adults Mad Blood Stirring, which tells the story of a thousand black American sailors held captive in Dartmoor Prison in the largely forgotten Second War of American Independence.

Rachel Feldberg, Festival Director said: "We are looking forward to kicking off 2018 with Simon Mayo. He is the voice of the end of the day commute for so many, but he is also a great advocate for books and reading."

Simon Mayo will be at the Kings Hall on Tuesday, April 24 at 7.30pm. Tickets are £14/£10 and can be booked online at www.ilkleyliteraturefestival.org.uk from 10am on Wednesday, February 28