THE Swindon Youth Festival of Literature regularly attracts big names from the world of young adult and children’s books to the town.

Authors, poets and illustrators have entertained and inspired more than 100,000 students since the festival started.

Regular workshops and creative writing classes have helped youngsters come up with their own imaginative tales and verses.

Fiona Hardcastle established the festival 12 years ago then stepped down in 2017 and passed the baton to Kate Murphy.

The town-wide event has welcomed plenty of famous authors over the years, including Michael Rosen, Charlie Higson, and Simon Mayo.

Many writers have returned after their first appearance and become regulars. Poet Ash Dickinson always hosts lively poetry workshops for year 7 pupils at 12 schools throughout the week.

The traditional inter-school book quiz ends the festival with a fiercely-competitive student showdown. Last year’s winners Ridgeway School retained their title and Commonweal School came a close second.

Mayor Kevin Parry will present prizes to pupils who impressed the judges of the creative writing, illustration, and poetry competitions, as well as the student who received the most nominations for the Library Ambassadors Award.

The celebration evening is on November 28 at Swindon College library from 4.30pm, The festival is supported by the Swindon Association of Secondary Heads.