THIS year's Clevedon Literary Festival is expected to be bigger and better because of an Arts Council award.

Combined with generous sponsorships from local businesses and community organisations, the grant will support an extensive programme of 'more than words' events, ranging from talks, walks, poetry, music and more.

This year's festival will be running between May 31 and June 11.

Around 50 different events and activities are being planned, including a comedy magic show, storytelling, debate and discussion, and performance.

Presentations by local and national writers will also be held, exploring subjects such as TV scriptwriting, book cover art, writing for children, walking and nature, running a book club, and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.

Here's a few more things to look out for:

  • A conversation with science fiction writer Ben Aaronovitch.
  • A presentation about 10 Birds That Shaped the World by Somerset writer Stephen Moss.
  • A talk on dwarfism and disabilities by the children’s book author Danielle Webb.
  • A discussion on non-violent protest led by climate change and anti-war activists.

This is all made possible due to the support from organisations such as Clevedon Community Bookshop and Clevedon BID, with sponsorship from Greenfield Acupuncture, Kustom Flooring and Furniture, RAW Fire and Security, Spinning Weal, Sustain Heating and Renewables, Steve Winfield and Seasons Art Class.

Organiser Carol Price said: "From our launch in 2019, we have aimed to be diverse, inclusive and welcoming to all with something to offer and to be about so much more than authors promoting their latest books.

"This year, we are delighted to be putting on our most expansive and inclusive programme yet – one that will provide something for everyone."

The events will be held in venues around the town centre in the week leading up to the main weekend.

On the Saturday and Sunday, most of the activities will be held around the Community Centre and the seafront.

The festival is hosting the launch of the Great Big Green Week and it will also feature the unveiling of a plaque to commemorate Clevedon-born author and historian Jan Morris.

The full programme of events (some of which are free and others which are ticketed) will be revealed at the end of April.

For more information, visit the Clevedon Literary Festival website.