The first weekend of Wells Festival of Literature is just days away, when some well-known names of the literary world will head to the city.

Snap up tickets while you can for the popular event which runs from 18-26 October as several speakers are already sellouts.

There's plenty to choose from as page-turning topics that first weekend range from the satirical (author John O'Farrell) to the heart warming (physician Dr Rachel Clarke) to the thrilling (TV celebrity turned author Louise Minchin).

Or you could test your own literary know-how by entering a team of six for Sunday night's literary quiz plus buffet at The Swan Hotel with professional quizzmaster Gary Wrigglesworth.

Other highlights through the week include three new speakers owing to last-minute programme changes.

These are award-winning journalist Rafael Behr with his survivor's guide to politics, medieval historian Helen Castor with an insight into the characters of Richard II and Henry IV, and geneticist Adam Rutherford on evolution.

For full information and booking details go online at www.wellsfestivalofliterature.org.uk, pick up a brochure at Waterstones and elsewhere, or call 01749 834483 (9.30am-12.30pm weekdays).