These top names, along with screen writer William Nicholson, BBC Breakfast presenter Bill Turnbull, BBC European correspondent Gavin Hewitt, Birdsong author Sebastian Faulks and comedian Tony Hawks, food writer Jay Rayner and rural expert Kate Humble are among those taking part in the event, which takes place in various venues during 16 days from 21st April.

As well as talks by celebrities and best-selling authors, there will be panel debates, workshops and readings during the event.

Annie Ashworth, festival director said: “The festival is now a year-round event, as we receive requests all the time from authors, publishers and performers wanting to be involved.

“We also have more sponsors on board this year than ever before and are building valuable partnerships all the time.”

Also announced in the line-up were broadcaster Edward Stourton and Costa shortlisted biographer Artemis Cooper.

As in previous years, this year’s festival will also have a children’s programme which will include a series of events in schools in the area - including events featuring young Bond writer and actor Charlie Higson and Winnie the Witch illustrator Korky Paul.

More details are due to be released soon and tickets go on sale this month.

Ms Ashworth added: “The festival is nationally recognised and something Stratford can be really proud of.”

For more information visit www.stratfordliteraryfestival.co.uk

In conjunction with the festival there will be a day dedicated to Stratford author Marie Corelli - a best-selling novelist of the 19th century - on 27th April.

Organiser Nick Birch said: “Marie Corelli published a string of novels that mesmerised her readers but which, like her, seem to have been largely forgotten today. The day is an opportunity to immerse in the life and work of the author, find out who she was, and how she became so famous.

“We have gathered a group of actors, authors and academics to contribute especially to the days programme.”

The day will include tours of her house and an exhibition of artifacts, trips on her gondola and carriage, a performance about the life of the author called Who is Marie Corelli and an illustrated talk, Marie Corelli - Stratford’s First Conservationist, presented by Dr Robert Bearman, retired head of Archives and Local Studies, Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.

For more details contact info@marie corelli.org.uk or visit the festival website.