The Hexham Book Festival returns this April with whole swathes of authors ready to chat about all things book related.

There’s set to be a General Election this year, so there will be plenty of politicians and commentators in attendance at the Hexham Book Festival this year to give us their tuppence worth. I’m talking Wes Streeting, Ian Dunt, Nigel Fletcher, Raymond Newell and Will Hutton. The journalist Cathy Newman (pictured) is, of course, no stranger to all things political, but this year she’ll be chatting about her book ‘The Ladder’, which delves into the life lessons provided by “women who scaled the heights and dodged the snakes”. There will be plenty of novelists on hand too including the brilliant Sarah Perry (The Essex Serpent) who will be in conversation with fellow novelist Sarah Hall (Haweswater). For poetry lovers, former Scottish Makar (and firm festival favourite) Jackie Kay returns with her first collection in nearly a decade. In all, there will be 55 events, including writing workshops and interactive events, so be sure to visit their website for the full exciting programme. DP

Hexham Book Festival, 26 April-5 May, hexhambookfestival.co.uk