Thanks to a starry lineup of speakers and the generosity of festival sponsors record numbers of visitors have flocked to Wells Festival of Literature which opened last weekend at Cedars Hall in Wells.

This year's festival has offered not just food for thought but food for the soul with the welcome addition of the Soul Dough pizza van sited close to Waterstones pop-up shop, the two proving equally popular with audiences.

Several sell-outs the first weekend included not just the big names like Countdown's Susie Dent and poet Pam Ayres, but Frome-based stonemason Andrew Ziminski who proved a fascinating speaker.

Talks included a fascinating Moon exploration by philosopher A.C. Grayling on the race to exploit the satellite's mineral wealth.

First-time novelist Cecile Pin gave the Book Group event the family background that inspired her semi-autobiographical novel Wondering Souls, while a last-minute change to the programme saw political journalist Rafael Behr offer a witty insight into his own brush with death and the world of politics.

There are more speakers yet to come before the festival ends on Saturday evening with Paul Sinha's comical account of his quest for happiness.

Among these are Geoffrey Wheatcroft on the trials of the Tory Party and cook Sophie Grigson on exploding tomatoes.

Throughout the week, thanks to festival's charitable endeavours, hundreds of local schoolchildren will pack the hall to hear author Lindsay Galvin on the discovery of dragons and other exciting topics

Tickets for the public events are still available online at www.wellsfestivalofliterature.org.uk, by phone on 01749 834483 and on the door. Pick up a brochure for full information.