Line-up revealed for Stratford Literary Festival

David Nicholls, Mary Beard and Patrick Grant feature on a programme of nearly 70 events

TV historian Mary Beard, bestselling author David Nicholls and Great British Sewing Bee judge Patrick Grant will be among the attractions at this year's Stratford Literary Festival.

The event is expected to sell thousands of tickets and has a programme of nearly 70 events.

Radio presenter James O'Brien is also due to appear, along with newspaper columnists Will Hutton, Daniel Finkelstein and Polly Toynbee.

The event runs between 1 and 5 May.

Now in its 17th year, the festival has a "strong balance to embrace all interests", said festival director Annie Ashworth.

Other guests include the Birmingham MP Liam Byrne, who is due to talk about inequality, Ella's Kitchen founder Paul Lindley, and mathematician Marcus Du Sautoy, who will demonstrate how to win at Monopoly.

Authors John Boyne and A L Kennedy are also due to appear, along with the former Children's Laureate Michael Rosen and current Laureate Joseph Coehlo.

Actor David Troughton and actress Juliet Stevenson will talk about what Stratford means to them.

Impressionist and comedian Alistair McGowan will round off the festival with a celebration of Noel Coward.

Tickets are due to go on general sale on Friday.