The annual Lincoln Book Festival has begun, promoting talented writers from across the region and the world in a series of events running until May 15th.

The festival attracts local and international authors as they prepare to showcase their work and offer help and advice to budding writers from across the county.

The organiser of the event, Sharon Stone, thinks there will be a successful turnout: “Despite cancelling a few events due to ill health, we’re hoping for a good year.”

The eighth annual event will run at many different venues across the city, and Stone is looking forward to welcoming some famous writers back to Lincoln such as Steven Booth and Sophie Hannah.

“Each event will have a theme,” Stone explained, “the events are open to anyone who wants to learn about writing for different genres.”

The festival starts on Wednesday with events including a new writers’ night at the Drill Hall featuring six talks from six new writers, and a “World of Comics” event at the university library.

On Thursday, in University of Lincoln’s EMMTEC building, budding crime writers will be able to find out more information about writing for the crime genre.

Former consultant for BBC One’s “Who Do You Think You Are” programme Nick Barratt will offer help and advice about writing for historical and genealogical texts on Friday at Bishop Grosssteste as part of the festival’s History Day.

The event finishes this Saturday with a Children’s Fest day including storytelling, workshops and activities for children of all ages.

For more information and to purchase tickets for the events, visit the Lincoln Book Festival website.