Each speaker will have recently penned a book and will deliver a talk between 23 April and 5 May this year, based at series of venues including St James, the Library, the OGH and Les Cotils. 

Full details of all events will soon be released, and tickets will go on sale to the public on 24 February, but Festival members will be able to book from 19 February. 

Festival Director Claire Allen said that the programme so far contains “some of the most inspirational and creative thinkers from the worlds of literature, poetry, business, politics, stage and screen, food and drink, sport and history, amongst many others. 

“Also look out for our family events, schools programme, and writing competition for school children, bringing literature, books and writing to people of all interests and ages. There are also several writing and poetry workshops, an international poetry competition, and outreach events in the prison and care homes.” 

She paid tribute to the army of organisers, volunteers and sponsor who make the festival possible each year: “We passionately believe in the power of words to broaden horizons, connect communities and inspire change."

Pictured: Louis de Bernières is widely known for writing Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. (Credit: Ivon Bartholomew). 

Michel Roux, a renowned chef and star of MasterChef The Professionals, will demystify simple French cooking at home for the audience. 

BBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin will explain the untold adventures of women, recounting her adventures across the globe while pushing her limits to the extreme. 

DIY guru Sarah Beeny will tell the story of restoring her first flat to a stately home, and how she did this while balancing work and social life, parenting, and her battle with cancer.  

Cricket legend Mike Brearly will discuss sport blended with philosophy, religion, leadership and psychoanalysis, and how passions and conflicts play a part in life.  

Footballer Pat Nevin will speak to what it takes to succeed on and off the pitch in the 'beautiful game', examining the athletic, emotional, and commercial.  

Journalist Bryony Gordon comes to dive into mental health from the female perspective and trying to pin down what truly makes us happy. 

Novelist John Boyne, known for The Boy in Striped Pyjamas, will take a broad look at works focused on the Earth’s natural elements with a human element attached.  

Best-selling author Louis de Bernières will delve into his latest book – a story of a quantum cryptographer fearing imminent societal collapses retreating to the Cornish countryside to live a quiet and off-the-grid life.  

Pictured (top): Michel Roux, Sarah Beeny, Louise Minchin (credit: Rachel Joseph), and Pat Nevin.