Pam Ayres will open this year's Ledbury Poetry Festival while the popular Liverpool poet Roger McGough will bring the event to a close.
Festival director Dr Charles Bennett said: "Pam Ayres will occupy a spot that was occupied just a few years ago by the Poet Laureate Andrew Motion.
"Some might suggest that Pam is the people's laureate. Let's say we have a light-hearted festival this year, bookended by two very popular poets.
"Occasionally people say the festival, or even poetry, is elitist. That of course is complete nonsense, demonstrated by the fact that Pam Ayres is sure to appeal to almost everyone."
This year's festival runs from July 2 to 11.
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