THE Looe Literary Festival gets under way today with a packed programme celebrating literature, storytelling and creativity in all its guises.

Following the success of the very first festival in 2014, this year’s event is set to be bigger and better yet, with some top personalities on the line-up as well as many local authors and speakers.

Headlining the festival this year is national treasure and showbiz star Christopher Biggins. Adored by millions, the multi-talented actor, writer and raconteur is a fabulous man with a larger-than-life story. His appearance at the Hannafore Point Hotel tomorrow (Friday night) will be hosted by broadcaster Judi Spiers, and festival organisers are describing the event as ‘two of the nation’s best cherished entertainers in combination – a not to be missed evening of entertainment’.

On the Saturday the star quality continues, when Poldark script-writer Karen Thrussell and series producer Debbie Horsfield will be taking time out from filming the second series to spill the beans on everything fans are dying to know.

Sunday’s programme will include a talk by award-winning comic actress Pauline McLynn (pictured), known to many as Mrs Doyle in Father Ted – or Libby Croker from Shameless. In addition to her television career, Pauline has written eight novels, all just as funny, frank and intelligent as her on-screen performances.

Explorer

Also appearing on Sunday will the man hailed as the greatest explorer of our age – the Cornish-born Robin Hanbury-Tenison. To celebrate his 80th year, Robin has just completed eight challenges, including the London Marathon and a rapid ascent of 3,406ft Carrauntoohil, the highest mountain in Ireland.

With a lifetime of travel and adventure, Robin has first-hand knowledge of some of the world’s most remote and remarkable places – and his talk is sure to be a must-do of the weekend.

The festival weekend includes many local authors, poets and photographers providing insights into their inspiration and work.

Workshops running across the weekend cover a wide range of interests, from poetry, self-publishing and tra-vel writing to children’s photography and a comic books masterclass.

Children will love the free events taking place across Saturday and Sunday, which include storytelling, painting, and puppet-making sessions.

Looe Literary Festival patrons Richard Madeley and Judy Finnegan say they are delighted to be supporting the second festival. Richard said: ‘Writers, artists and musicians are drawn to Cornwall for powerful reasons: the atmosphere, the light, the pure sense of otherness. You will see how enthusiastically writers and commentators have taken to the event.

For a full guide to the festival and to book tickets visit www.looe literaryfestival.co.uk or pop into the Millpool Centre in Looe.