Hamnet author, Maggie O'Farrell, Sir Lenny Henry and TV historian Kate Williams are among the headliners announced for this year's Chester Literature Festival.

Chester Literature Festival is Storyhouse's annual celebration of books, poetry and storytelling and remains one of the longest-running annual literature events in the country.

Marking Storyhouse's 15th Literature Festival, attendees can expect a month of unmissable talks, performances, events and workshops - with special guests from the world of literature, poetry, stage and screen.

Among this year's line-up is journalist and broadcaster, John Craven, who will reflect on more than 50 years at the forefront of British broadcasting, from presenting the pioneering Newsround, to covering national and world news and three decades on the BBC's Countryfile.

Sir Lenny Henry arrives at Storyhouse on Sunday 17 May, with a new live show which is part stand-up, part storytelling and part conversation.

The superstar comedian, impressionist, actor, author and fundraiser will trace the roles, characters and moments which have defined his remarkable 50-year career and will reveal what continues to inspire him now as he reflects on a life lived out loud.

The following week, guests can explore Living History with Ruth Goodman, who will offer an insight into what life 'for the rest of us commoners' was like.

The acclaimed historian, author and broadcaster behind hit shows like Victorian Farm, Edwardian Farm and Tudor Monastery Farm will delve into the secrets, routines and remarkable ingenuity of our ancestors, sharing personal anecdotes from her immersive TV series and insights from her extensive research.

advertisement

Inspired by the mapping of Ireland in the mid-19^th century, award-winning author and screenwriter of Hamnet, Maggie O'Farrell, will discuss her new novel, Land. 

Returning to the festival this year is TV historian, author and novelist, professor Kate Williams, who will discuss her new book. REGINA. From Cleopatra to Grace Kelly, the text is an epic history of royal women that shatters the myths we have built around them. 

Williams is a royal expert, TV historian and professor of public engagement with history at the University of Reading.

She is also the author of several acclaimed biographies including England's Mistress, Young Elizabeth and Rival Queens. Her latest book, The Royal Palaces: Secrets and Scandal, is out now.

You can find tickets and more here.