Now in its 21st year, and to pay homage to the heroes of the Great War during the centenary year, the festival is taking a more sombre look at literature and asking harder questions about what it means to read and write and what kind of lives we should be leading.

Festival director Matt Holland said: “Now we are 21, we are meant to be properly grown up. This means we can not only have fun but also be serious and idealistic about things that matter in our everyday lives.

"We’re taking things a bit more seriously this year because we are now 21 and like many 21-year-olds, we are being a little more self-reflective and asking questions about ourselves and where we are going.

"That’s why we haven’t got any comedians this year and instead are talking about a number of serious topics we hope people will be able to get involved with.

"We’ve also kept the colours of the programme quite sombre in recognition of the First World War."

Great War themed talks include;

May 7: Nigel Jones on Peace and War: Britain in 1914 at the Central Library at 7.15pm. Tickets cost £5, available from www.swindontheatres.co.uk. Call 01793 771080 for more information.

May 12: Kate Adie on the legacy of women in World War One at the Arts Centre at 6.30pm. Tickets cost £7, available from www.swindontheatres.co.uk. Call 01793 771080 for more information.

May 15: Richard Van Emden on Boy Soldiers of the Great War at the Central Library at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £5, available from www.swindontheatres.co.uk. Call 01793 771080 for more information.