Whether it’s drama, comedy, dance, music, theatre, films or visual arts, tickets are now on sale for the 2014 Rochdale Literature & Ideas Festival.

The festival welcomes internationally renowned writers, poets, thinkers and artists from across the country for a diverse line up, broadly aimed at encouraging more people to engage in reading and philosophy.

Headliners this October include stand-up Dave Spikey, BBC breakfast television presenter turned bee-keeper Bill Turnbull, writer Jackie Kay MBE, poet Ian McMillan and X Factor singer/songwriter Lucy Spraggan.

Other highlights include BBC DJ Liz Kershaw, performance poet Tony Walsh, Tom Hingley from the Inspiral Carpets and Steve Hanley from The Fall.

Authors appearing include Chrissie Manby, Rosie Garland, Alan Gibbons and Sarah Crowe. There’ll be comedy/drama in ‘Gin & Chronic Arthritis’ by the MAD Theatre Company and the borough’s diverse cultures will be celebrated in a ‘World of Poetry & Music’ from the Multicultural Arts & Media Centre.

A series of debates, discussions, workshops and interviews will be taking place featuring many of the performers, giving a real insight into their life and work.

Events for children and families include a performance of ‘Whatever the Weather’ from M6 Theatre Company, Magic Carpet yoga and Mark Gwynne Jones’s ‘Wordworms!’ show.

In total there are already more than 30 shows, talks, interviews and performances, plus an extended school’s programme. More are still being added to the growing line-up, with new announcements promised in the coming weeks.

‘Book early’ is the message from organisers, after many shows sold out weeks in advance last year, with lots fully booked before the festival even opened.

Rochdale Literature & Ideas Festival runs from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 October. Book at www.rochdaleliteraturefestival.co.uk or visit the festival box office at Rochdale Central Library, Number One Riverside.

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