The second Oundle Festival of Literature will be held from Friday 5th March to Sunday 14th March 2004. The festival, organised by local volunteers, will include readings and talks by well-known authors; children's schools' events; poetry and prose recitals by both published and unpublished writers.

Nick Turnbull, festival Director, said "We hope that within the programme there is something for everyone. We have tried to cater for all ages and literary interests. We are delighted to be able to announce presentations by leading literary figures such as Colin Dexter, Libby Purves, Kevin Crossley-Holland and Christopher Matthew of "Now We Are Sixty " fame".

Bringing local culture and historical overtones to the festival Johnathan Bate and Simon Rae will talk about John Clare, the famous 19th Century Northamptonshire poet; Byron Rogers will talk about J.L.Carr, Kettering based writer, publisher and head teacher; Alison Weir will talk about Mary Queen of Scots; and a panel of local writers will discuss their work on the history and culture of the area.

Talks by writers Jessica Adams and Freya North, promise a great girls' night out while D.J. Taylor (one of this year's Man Booker Prize judges) will speculate on the direction of English literature.

The festival will not just offer the opportunity to listen to professional writers: under nineteen year olds have been encouraged to enter a writing competition, the entries will be judged by Kevin Crossley-Holland and Chris Tutton. Budding adult writers are invited to talk about their worl in a series of talks entitled "Fifteen minutes of Fame", to be held in a local tavern. A talk, given by Northamptonshire writer Sally Spedding, on how to get published is also planned.

Full and frequently updated information about the Festival including an events schedule is available on the festival website: www.oundlelitfest.org.uk