Val McDermid and David Nicholls headline Stratford Literary Festival

Val McDermid and David Nicholls are headlining the Stratford Literary Festival this year, which will run from 1st to 5th May.  

McDermid will turn her pen on a re-telling of "Macbeth" while One Day (Hodder) author Nicholls, reveals his latest novel, You Are Here (Sceptre). They will be joined by TV classicist Mary Beard and "Great British Sewing Bee" judge Patrick Grant.  

John Boyne will also be in attendance alongside Costa Prize winner A L Kennedy and Whitbread Prize winner and local author Susan Fletcher. Broadcaster Michael Wood brings China’s best-known poet to wider acclaim and YA author Alex Wheatle shares the story of his troubled upbringing. 

The festival’s selection of events for families and schools includes former Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen and current laureate Joseph Coehlo, with fun interactive workshops to get involved in.  

“We are really excited by this May’s line-up which we believe has a strong balance of events to embrace all interests" said Annie Ashworth, festival director. “Over the last 12 months the festival has grown to another level and we are thrilled that Julia Donaldson, the UK’s most popular writer for young children, is now patron of our outreach work in schools, the community and prisons. There’s so much books can do to change lives.” 

Baillie Gifford is the festival’s headline sponsor and it is supported by many local businesses. 

Tickets go on sale to Festival Friends on 12th February and on general sale on 16th February at stratlitfest.co.uk