The Stroud Book Festival has announced its headliners for the 2019 edition, with Booker-winning novelist Ian McEwan and children’s author Julia Donaldson leading the way.

This year, the festival will present over fifty events across five days in a programme that celebrates life, love and reading, with more than a nod to current affairs and urgent environmental matters.

The line up will include renowned nature writer Richard Mabey, along with poet and PEN Pinter award winner Lemn Sissay, actress, comedian and TV regular Katy Brand, and award-winning comic novelist Nina Stibbe who’ll be in conversation with Sue Limb.

War surgeon David Nott, and Kamal Ahmed, Editorial Director of BBC News, will both be talking about their recent acclaimed memoirs. Cambridge politics professor and Talking Politics podcaster David Runciman and Molly Scott-Cato MEP will host a topical ‘Democracy Debate’.

For lovers of fiction, award-winning author Max Porter will present an immersive reading of his novel ‘Lanny’, whilst the Faber Fiction Fiesta will celebrate both famous publisher Faber‘s 90th birthday and the latest fiction talent with Bev Thomas, Kate Hamer and Ingrid Persaud.

Stroud Book Festival Director Paul McLaughlin said: ‘We couldn’t be more excited about this line-up, which really does promise something for everyone.”

There will also be an event celebrating the 25th published novel by Stroud’s own Katie Fforde with a special event featuring some of her favourite recent books and authors.

For foodies, the festival will be welcoming the culinary talents of Henry Firth and Ian Theasby, authors of ‘BOSH!’, the bestselling plant-based cookbook ever. And award-winning food writer Bee Wilson will be in conversation with Stroud’s own foodie author, Matthew Fort about her book ‘How We Eat Now’.

For children there will be the founder of Giffords Circus Nell Gifford, along with John Dougherty, Andy Seed, Tracey Corderoy and Tom Percival.

Author Neal Layton will be encouraging young children to get recycling in an interactive event on sustainability. And for budding artists, animators and entertainers, there are two animation workshops with the world-famous Aardman studios.

On Thursday 7th November ‘Schools Day’, for Stroud primary schools, brings in four authors in Joe Coelho, Onjali Q Rauf, Atinuke and Chris Edge.

“We are also delighted that many of our sponsors are continuing to support us again this year,” added Paul. “We couldn’t stage the Festival without the generosity of local businesses and individuals.

“And of course, a huge thank you to the fabulous authors coming to Stroud in the autumn to help us all celebrate the creativity and vibrancy of our town.’

Stroud Book Festival will be held at venues across Stroud from Thursday 6th until Sunday 10th November 2019.