THE programme for what promises to be the greatest Swindon Festival of Literature has been launched.

Booker Prize winner Ben Okri, Poet Laureate Andrew Motion, Private Eye founder Richard Ingrams, agony aunt Claire Rayner, Mastermind host Magnus Magnusson and controversial author and former politician Edwina Currie are all booked to appear.

This year's festival the 10th will be the longest yet, running from May 1 to 17.

Festival director Matt Holland said of the line-up: "What does this say about Swindon? It says authors are happy to come here because it is like coming down to earth instead of being on a perpetual round of literary luncheons.

"As the author Will Self said to me last year, 'it's the only programme that's not had a spelling mistake for three years - of course I'll come'.

"It may be hard work, but it's the most rewarding hard work I know.

"The growing number of festival followers and the connections the festival has made are wonderful."

Yesterday's launch at the Brunel Centre was attended by local dignitaries including Swindon mayor Stan Pajak.

Readings were given by weather forecaster turned poet Wincey Willis and fellow poet Neil Patterson.

Mr Holland said: "Wincey Willis said she had been looking at literature festival programmes for years, but she had never seen anything with as much variety as ours."

As well as celebrities, the festival will also feature everything from writing workshops at schools to an appearance by a 'little top' circus.

As usual, the festival will begin with the Dawn Chorus, an early morning poetry, dancing and music session at Lawn Woods, off Old Town's High Street.

The festival's sponsors include the University of Bath in Swindon, solicitors Thring Townsend, the council, Dominic Winter Book Auctions and the Evening Advertiser.

Programmes are available in bookshops, theatres and public buildings across the borough.