AS the sun rose over Swindon a dawn chorus got this year’s literature festival off to an early start.

Literature lovers gathered this morning in Lawn Woods to mark the start of the 18th Swindon Festival of Literature.

Organisers have also secured two authors to replace Victoria Coren, who had been due to talk about her book, For Richer, For Poorer, as well as being a judge at the Think Slam on May 13.

Victoria will not be able to attend as she is obliged to take part in a newly-announced Champion of Champions poker tournament in Madrid on the same day.

To replace her, Professor Laurie Taylor, the presenter of Radio 4’s Thinking Allowed and author of numerous books will be joined by Emma Kennedy, prize-winning comedienne and an actress in numerous roles in film and on television.

Emma is also the author of many books, the most recent of which is called I Left My Tent in San Francisco. She will attend the Think Slam at the Arts Centre.

Festival organiser Matt Holland said: ‘We are delighted to have got two for the price of one, but also, they are spot on, just what we want for Swindon’s second Think Slam.

“One is a writer and presenter for a prestigious BBC programme, which should really help set the thinking tone for the night.

“The other is sharp-witted and funny, and should help create a note of levity, another key ingredient for a good Think Slam.”

Both authors will not only be talking about their own work and writing and answering questions from the audience but will be judges in the Think Slam.

In a statement, Victoria apologised for her absence, she said: “I am miserable to be missing the Swindon Festival of Literature.

“This is one of those annoying occasions when my weird double life just doesn’t work out.

“As an author, I was already booked in for a proper literary night of talking about books in Swindon and I was looking forward to it.”

To make up for her absence, Victoria is donating £200 in prizes for the Think Slam,where competitors have three minutes to present a thought-provoking idea, theory, or story to a panel of judges.

It takes place at the Arts Centre on May 13.

For a full list of all the events taking place at this year’s festival visit www.swindonfestivalofliterature.co.uk Later today, Dawn Chorus performers will be visiting people who could not get out, in hospitals, homes, and hostels, thanks to the generosity of festival supporters.

GETTING PULSES RACING

A TRIO of well-attended sports events got Swindon Literature Festival off to an active start at Lydiard Park yesterday, Monday.

Bookworms of all ages proved the annual festival is about more than sedentary talks and discussions when they took part in a mass walk, a run and a cycle. About 70 people tackled a 5km Parkrun around the park, led by experienced runners Bruce Tulloh, Paul Sinton-Hewitt and Emma Creighton.

Afterwards, in Lydiard’s conference centre, Paul explained how he established the phenomenon known as Parkrun which brings thousands of runners to parks every Saturday morning across the UK.

Bruce, who has written many books on running, regaled the audience about his long career in the sport, including competing in international competitions, and explained his motivation for running. He said: “Running does a tremendous amount for you on every level.

“It gives you a real sense of the world around you - sense of the body, and the ground, and the places you are running through and the people you meet.” Earlier in the day, a gentle walk and associated talk was held at the park, led by Cheryl Heyne, who promotes walking for health and well-being in Swindon, as well as Les Snowdon and Maggie Humphreys, authors, walkers and promoters of good health.

The afternoon also featured a cycle ride and cycle talk led by Anna Cipullo, who is CTC’s cycling development officer, and Rob Penn, an author, cyclist and bike-lover.

Festival director Matt Holland said holding a sports activity followed by associated talk helped the audience to explore the subject better and also aimed to promote healthy bodies and minds.

- David Wiles

WHAT'S ON TODAY

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  • Henry Hemming explains why big groups can achieve big things - 12.30pm at the Arts Centre, Devizes Road. Tickets £5.
  • Kate Rew talks about open water, fresh air, and the best wild swims - 8pm at the Arts Centre. Tickets £6.
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  • Mabel Watson speaks about the launch of a new magazine, Domestic Cherry - 7.30pm at the Studio in the Arts Centre. Tickets free.
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  • Jane Johnson talks about her book, The Salt Road - 7.30pm at Central Library, Regent Circus. Tickets £5. For more information on the festival log on to www.swindonfestivalofliterature.co.uk or call 01793 466454.
  • l
  • Henry Hemming explains why big groups can achieve big things - 12.30pm at the Arts Centre, Devizes Road. Tickets £5.
  • l
  • Kate Rew talks about open water, fresh air, and the best wild swims - 8pm at the Arts Centre. Tickets £6..
  • l
  • Mabel Watson speaks about the launch of a new magazine, Domestic Cherry - 7.30pm at the Studio in the Arts Centre. Tickets free.
  • l
  • Jane Johnson talks about her book, The Salt Road - 7.30pm at Central Library, Regent Circus. Tickets £5. For more information on the festival log on to www.swindonfestivalofliterature.co.uk or call 01793 466454.