THE vibrant re-launched Ludlow Arts Festival reported record first day sales and Ludlow Fringe Festival is confident that its wide ranging and equally vibrant selection of events will prove equally popular.

Among the gems on offer at the Fringe this year, from June 21-30, is the Big Lit weekend, full of books, writers, readings and conversations, all with a distinct Shropshire flavour.

Authors appearing include Rebecca Tope, who has published 18 crime novels since 1999, and Fran Norton, whose first historical novel, In the Shadow of a Tainted Crown, was published in 2010. Kate Charles, a past chairman of the Crime Writers’ Society, is the author of a dozen crime novels set against the background of the Church of England while Julia Ionides and Peter Howell will talk about their work, including their recent The Old Houses of Shropshire in the 19th Century.

Katy Moran, who writes for young adults and has been nominated twice for the Carnegie Medal, will talk about her inspirations, and local historical author Manda Scott will explore the art and science of writing fiction.

Manda will also lead a discussion with author and historian John Barratt on writing history, fact and fiction.

Completing an impressive literary line-up are children’s authors Jean Atkin and Carole Anne Carr, Kate Long, author of The Bad Mother’s Handbook and poet Nadia Kingsley.

Books apart, there’s plenty more to be found on offer during the Fringe, from Jo Brand and Lucy Porter to jazz singer Sarah Moule performing Femme Fatale - Songs for Scarlet Women and The Old Dic Company taking advantage of the demise of the annual Shakespeare to present Dic the Quick, or Richard III in 30 minutes. Steve Gibbons will be singing Dylan and, in stark contrast, there’ll be An Afternoon of Medieval Music, Song and Laughter with Fleurs de Lys.

Visit ludlowfringe.co.uk for details.

Most tickets will be on sale at ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk, or on 01584 878141.