GLADSTONE'S Library has revealed the lineup for the sixth year of Gladfest which takes place in Hawarden in September.

Among the authors appearing at the festival this year are Sunday Times Bestseller Joanna Cannon multi-award-winning author Sarah Perry, writer and broadcaster Richard Holloway, novelist and poet Michèle Roberts, broadcaster and writer Sally Magnusson, Stylist journalist Lucy Mangan, plus an exclusive preview reading of their forthcoming Lord of the Flies production from North Wales’ premier theatre, Theatr Clwyd.

The festival, which takes place between September 7-9, also boasts a number of the country’s brightest breakthrough talents including Penny Boxall, Annabel Abbs, Sheena Wilkinson, Sam Guglani and Malachy Tallack.

This year the festival will also transform its back lawns into a creative hub with the launch of the Gladfest Fringe – a carefully curated space bustling with free performances and stalls. Music, storytelling and open-mic poetry will all feature and there will also be makers workshops, stalls and choirs as well as a range of free comic book craft activities for young people curated by InterAct Imaginatons.

This year Gladfest welcomes on board two new sponsors: Arriva Bus Wales and The Laura Ashley Family Foundation / The Community Foundation in Wales.

Lisa Pearson, Head of Marketing for Arriva NW & Wales said:“We are delighted to be involved with this years’ Gladfest – here at Arriva NW & Wales, through our Community Promise Programme we are committed to supporting community events such as Gladfest that have both a fun and educational focus.

"We’re looking forward to being a part of what the 2018 festival will bring to North Wales.”

Priority booking for Gladstone’s Library Friends opens at 9am on Wednesday, May 2 for two weeks. Tickets do sell out during this window. For priority booking plus advance notice of special offers and events, find out more about becoming a Friend at www.gladstoneslibrary.org. Tickets go on general sale at 9am on Wednesday, May 16.

For the full lineup and more information, please visit www.gladfest.co.uk.