Budleigh’s book bonanza is back!

After a year in which the town’s literary festival was mostly staged digitally with just two live events last autumn, a full programme will be returning in September.

Headlining the week will be former principal ballerina and Strictly judge Dame Darcey Bussell talking about her life of dance, comedy actress and best-selling novelist Celia Imrie on her latest novel, and leading scientist Richard Dawkins on the best of science writing.

Dame Joan Bakewell will be discussing the challenges of getting older, and Radio 4’s More or Less presenter and FT columnist Tim Harford will be delivering the annual Susan Ward Memorial Talk, in memory of the Festival’s founder, asking if statistics are always to be believed.

Educationalist and modern historian Sir Anthony Seldon will explore what makes a great PM, while Theresa May’s former Chief of Staff Gavin Barwell will give us an exclusive peek behind the door of Number 10.

Leading experts in their field joining the programme include Tristan Gooley on reading the weather, and David Rooney on how timekeeping shapes our world.

Leading fiction writers appearing this year include Vera and Shetland creator Ann Cleeves, Best Marigold Hotel novelist Deborah Moggach, Women’s Prize founder Kate Mosse, and Apple Tree Yard psychological thriller writer Louise Doughty.

Anti-racism campaigners Kehinde Andrews and Anita Sethi will question the meaning of belonging, acclaimed novelist Cathy Rentzenbrink will search for the power of books in our lives while couturier Jenny Packham will ask what clothes mean to us.

New this year is a Book Group Event, with audiences invited to read ahead the debut novel The Lamplighters by Emma Stonex and then talk to her about it.

Taking place between September 15 and 19, the brimming programme offers a wide and varied range of events and topics for all ages.

The Festival is strongly supported by local businesses and donors, with the Exeter hearing organisation Audify once again this year’s Headline Sponsor. Tickets are on sale to Friends of the Festival from July 5 and to the general public from July 12. Visit budlitfest.org.uk.