THE sixteenth Swindon Festival of Literature promises to be the best yet – with more big names added to the line-up.

Television impressionist Alistair McGowan, ex-England cricket captain Marcus Trescothick, former Chancellor of the Exchequer Nigel Lawson and novelist Jake Chapman will be part of the event from May 4 to 16.

There will also be novelists Margaret Drabble and Josephine Hart, poet Simon Armitage and two great great grand-daughters of evolution theorist Charles Darwin, novelist Emma Darwin and poet Ruth Padel.

They join the most eagerly awaited Swindon festival in years along with national treasure Sir David Attenborough, Swindon boy made good Julian Clary, former Arsenal goalkeeper Bob Wilson, actress Maureen Lipman and funnyman Rory McGrath.

“The festival’s profile and reputation continues to grow,” said festival director Matt Holland.

“Each year it attracts new writers, terrific speakers and a larger following.

“It has become a fantastic celebration for Swindon of things well written and things well said.

“The festival is full of good ideas and writing, which is a hallmark of its success.

“It offers experiences that make life memorable. People of all ages and backgrounds have a very good time.

“We’re getting calls from people all over the country who want to come to Swindon for the festival. They are going crazy for tickets.

“People can get together, meet authors, join in lively talk, explore new ideas and have a laugh. It’s all very exciting.”

Apart from the big names there will also be a number of top-notch events.

During the 14 days of the festival, there will be a Swindon performance poetry slam competition, the schools’ youth slam and a green and bookish weekend for children and families.

A ‘poems, pints and music’ evening will be held, plus a wide range of literary talks, discussions, and readings at the main theatres, arts venues, libraries, schools, pubs, parks, and even in an ex-cowshed in Swindon.

The 2009 Swindon Festival of Literature is being part funded by Arts Council England in the South West.

The full-colour 32-page festival programme will be unveiled at Swindon’s new Central Library at noon on March 19.

Tickets for all events will be on sale from midday on that day and not before.

To go on the festival mailing list, please call 01793 771080 or email swindonlitfest@lowershawfarm.co.uk