A long-running Swindon event will return after its lead organiser changed his mind about stepping down from the role.

Matt Holland has managed every iteration of the Swindon Festival of Literature for the last 30 years.

During that time, it has attracted notable names such as Tony Benn, Melvyn Bragg, Ken Livingstone, Clare Balding, Esther Rantzen, Harriet Harman, Pam Ayres, Michael Rosen, Jasper Fforde, Judy Murray, and Kate Adie.

As the festival celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2023, Mr Holland announced that someone else would have to take on the task of bringing together an entertaining and thought-provoking array of authors and artists for the years to come.

But since that farewell finale, Mr Holland appears to have had second thoughts and will now once again be spearheading efforts to make the 2024 fest a success.

He said: “Apropos of my statement in May 2023, saying that I would not be organising a festival in 2024, please note that circumstances have changed, as has my mind, for which – though pleased – I apologise for misleading you, and myself.

“You see, positive new factors have come into play which mean that, in 2024, it looks like I’ll still be at the helm, in the festival engine room, even scrubbing the decks, with good help from a kindly crew.

“So, happily, and with the promise of terrific authors, artists, performers, and workshops on board, this Festival ship sails out in the sometimes choppy but always culture-cool waters of Swindon.”

The Swindon Festival of Literature will present a series of wide-ranging events from May 6 to 12, starting with a new one-day circus and outdoor arts festival in Lawn Woods on the Bank Holiday Monday.

The traditional Dawn Chorus will kick off proceedings as always, followed by a range of talks, poetry, and activities for children and families.

Full details of this year’s lineup will be announced closer to the time.

Anyone with author requests, performance suggestions, or literature-linked ideas can get in touch by emailing swindonlitfest@lowershawfarm.co.uk

Swindon Borough Council leader Jim Robbins said: “Very pleased to hear this news! Very much looking forward to the Lit Fest returning!”

Cllr Marina Strinkovsky added: “This is such brilliant news.

“The Festival is one of our most dearly loved and widely recognised cultural anchors.

“Many people will be delighted to see its staple events come back in 2024.”