Book lovers will come face-to-face with best-selling authors, such as Kate Mosse, historians, campaigners and politicians to discuss how people 'come back stronger' from the pandemic.

All are being brought together under the banner of the 30th Richmond Literature Festival, which begins on Bonfire Night and runs throughout November.

Among the many other star names to feature is Nadifa Mohamed, the author of The Fortune Men, which was the only novel by a British author to make the 2021 Booker Prize shortlist.

The Festival will bring an array of famous writers and thinkers to venues across the borough as well as hosting several online events.

The theme this year is 'Breaking ground' and involves discussions and events that look at how people and the country can rebuild.

It begins on Friday, November 5th with a panel discussion entitled 'This is How We Come Back Stronger'.

Guests include the international bestselling author of The Burning Chambers Series, Kate Mosse, writer and filmmaker Juliet Jacques, and Sara Collins, author of The Confessions of Frannie Langton.

Among the many other highlights is a discussion on the issue of climate change, which will be led campaigners Jonathon Porritt and Dr Alice Bell. It will be held at the Landmark Centre, on Sunday, November 7.

Elodie Harper discusses her much-praised novel The Wolf Den, which is described as a stunning first foray into historical fiction and explores Pompeii's infamous brothels, with BBC Radio 4 presenter Samira Ahmed.

Monique Roffey, winner of the 2020 Costa Book Of The Year for The Mermaid of Black Conch, joins Courttia Newland in conversation to discuss their approaches to exploring contemporary issues through literary fiction.

At the Old Town Hall, on November 12, three women writers – Natalie Haynes, Sarvat Hasin and Charlotte Higgins, will look at and re-tell stories from Greek mythology from a feminist perspective.

Other well-known participants include Anita Sethi, the author of Wainwright Prize-nominated memoir 'I Belong Here', journalist and author, Steve Richards; diplomat and intelligence chief, Peter Ricketts; New York Times-bestselling author Anne Sebba; and the author of Empireland, Sathnam Sanghera.

There will be many events that take people away from lockdown gloom, whether it is a look at the hysteria that surrounded The Beatles, who made some of their films at Twickenham Film Studios, to a book event and football session inspired by female footballers during World War I; and an inventor's workshop for youngsters.

Venues hosting events included the Old Town Hall, Richmond; Orleans House Gallery; the OSO Arts Centre, Barnes; The Exchange, Twickenham; Duke Street Church, Richmond; The Landmark Arts Centre, Teddington; Richmond and Hillcroft Adult Community College; Whitton Sports Centre; and libraries in Teddington, Hampton, Twickenham, Whitton, and East Sheen.

Richmond Council's spokesperson for the Arts, Cllr John Coombs, said: "I am delightedthat Richmond LiteratureFestival is returning foritsspecial 30thedition. This year's programme of events promises to be extra special given the return to live events following last year's move to online eventsand the difficult past year for our local arts and culture sector.

"The last year has shown us just how important our arts are to all ofus,and RichmondLiterature Festivalisone of the best literature festivals in the country.This year'sprogramme includes something for all interests.

"The theme of Breaking Ground has brought an exciting group of writers and thinkers together at the festival, which will be a unique opportunity see some acclaimed writersexploring some of the most important issues of our times. It's a busy mixture of events, talks and panel discussions, a great workout for the mind, so get out and support yourlocal artsthis November. I look forward to seeingyou there."

More information can be found here.