You can be part of everyone’s stories at Wakefield Lit Fest

And families will have more than 40 events to choose from during 10 days of activities across the city next month.

The literature festival, which is being backed by the Express, will include creative workshops, talks and games for children to inspire people to read and write.

Its theme is “Everyone has a story” and organisers Beam have secured authors Tracy Chevalier and Darren Shan, poets Carol Ann Duffy and John Cooper Clarke, comedy writer David Nobbs, historian Michael Wood and music journalist Paul Morley.

There will also be quirky live performances as part of Wakefield Wordwalk and Susanna Meese will be giving five to 12-year-olds tips on how to make up their own stories.

Beam Director Robert Powell said: “We believe strongly in literature’s relationship with other artforms and modes of expression, from theatre and music to visual and digital art, everyday speech and the spoken word. You’ll find surprising elements of these popping up everywhere through Lit Fest.”

This years venues include Westgate Chapel, Wakefield One, Merchant Gate, Trinity Walk and The Orangery.

Most of the events will be free, but tickets and other information is available from www.wakefieldlitfest.org.uk

Wakefield Lit Fest will run from September 21 to 30.