A growing literary festival that attracts thousands of visitors every year is back with another packed programme of award-winning authors, TV stars and renowned broadcasters.

The Faversham Literary Festival is about to launch its seventh year with a line-up that includes Gavin and Stacey actor Alison Steadman and prolific children’s writer Michael Rosen.

The festival opens with a talk from journalist Harriet Constable, whose historical debut novel, The Instrumentalist, was published last year.

The programme then continues with more than 70 authors set to appear throughout the 10-day festival.

The line-up includes Father Ted producer Lissa Evans, Women's Prize for Fiction founder Kate Mosse, comedian and poet Pam Ayres, dancer Wayne Sleep, Buzzcocks bassist Steve Diggle, former Poet Laureate for Scotland Jackie Kay, Paralympian Jonnie Peacock and Sunday Times’ chief political commentator Tim Shipman.

There will also be a chance to get to know local writers, including Helen Heckety, who recently released her debut novel Alter Ego, and Scarlett Thomas who is best known for her 2006 book The End of Mr Y.

A string of celebrities, including BAFTA winner Alison Steadman, Succession star Harriet Walter, children’s author Michael Rosen and fashion designer Zandra Rhodes, are also set to appear – but these events have already sold out.

Children can also join in with workshops, storytelling, crafts and live performances from the likes of Rob Biddulph and Andy Stanton.

While most events are ticketed, bookworms can attend some free sessions, including open mic nights, poetry readings, author showcases, industry panels and plays.

You can find the full list of events, both free and ticketed, online here.

The festival, which starts on Friday, February 21 and runs until Sunday, March 2, will be hosted at several venues across the town, including the Old Brewery Store, Faversham Assembly Rooms, the Alexander Centre and the Guildhall.