THE programme for the seventh edition of the Ilminster Literary Festival is now available.

The name is a bit misleading because the festival is not only about books and authors but also about the arts in general.

This year for example there is a music evening devoted to the Tango, an illustrated talk on fashion between the 1890s and 1930s by an expert who also made jewellery worn in the Downton Abbey TV series – he will be bringing a selection for the audience to view and try on - and a talk by Sir Vince Cable, former leader of the Liberal Democrats, on the dark arts of politics.

Those are just three of the 20 talks and events on offer.

Scheduled to run from June 1 to June 8 inclusive, the festival attracts enthusiastic audiences and has become a cultural highlight of Ilminster’s calendar.

Full programme details are available now on the ILF website or look out for the free Programme Brochure, to pick up in shops and venues in Ilminster, Chard and the surrounding area.

The vast majority of ticket prices are being held at £8 and will be for sale online – www.ilminsterliteraryfestival.org - and at Ilminster Arts Centre, Tuesday to Saturday 10.30 to 12.30, May 16 to 31, or pay on the door - if there is space.

The first festival, in 2016, went off well and used a “fringe” approach – a large number of small venues in and around the town, sometimes with overlapping events.

There was strong support from the public and good audience numbers.

The festival has grown since then, becoming an established annual event and focused on fewer venues, in particular Ilminster Arts Centre, The Monks Yard and The Warehouse Theatre.

2023 will be the seventh festival, with 20 speakers/events.

Over the years the festival has welcomed politicians, authors, TV personalities, musicians, poets and numerous experts from wide-ranging fields.

It focuses not only on literature but also on the arts generally.

A spokesperson said: “The support of sponsors and programme advertisers has been crucial since ILF is now totally self-funding. We are immensely grateful for their goodwill and generosity.”