NEXT week The Times Cheltenham Literature Festival will welcome some of the world's greatest writers, poets, politicians, thinkers and stars to Cheltenham for an inspiring mix of debate and discussion.

Opening on Friday, October 3, the 10-day celebration of literature will be led by guest directors Shami Chakrabarti, Omid Djalili, Amit Chaudhuri, Sophie Hannah and Michael Rosen.

The theme of this year’s festival is Brave New Worlds, with events set to address such questions as ‘is democracy a risk?’, ‘is technology changing our brains?’, ‘what’s the future for words?’ and ‘what does the next century hold?'

Eminent writers will be discussing their latest works, including Margaret Atwood, who will talk about the final part of her dystopian trilogy. Japanese-born British novelist Kazuo Ishiguro, best known for his Man Booker Prize winning novel The Remains of The Day, will be previewing his new novel, The Buried Giant, due in March. And two times Man Booker Prize winner Hilary Mantel will unveil her latest work – The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher.

The line-up also features appearances from Children’s Laureate Malorie Blackman, historian Mary Beard, explorer Ranulph Fiennes, campaigner Doreen Lawrence, crime writer Ruth Rendell and comedian John Cleese.

Now in its 65th year, the festival hosts 500 events with over 600 speakers and attracts a worldwide following.

The extensive programme covers subjects as diverse as art, culture, exploration, history, politics, current affairs, sport, food and fashion. All of the events have been carefully designed to bring together highly sought-after speakers creating stimulating, surprising, and entertaining events that ignite animated conversations.

It begins at venues in and around Cheltenham on Friday October 3 and continues until October 12.

For further information visit www.cheltenhamfestivals.co.uk/literature