Exploding tomatoes, imploding politics and a comical quest for happiness are just some of the exciting events to be revealed at Wells Festival of Literature this autumn.

The tomatoes are those of cook Sophie Grigson who moved to Puglia in Italy two years ago and has since written a humorous book – called, of course, Exploding Tomatoes. In it she charts the local delicacies, recipes and stories she has uncovered in her travels around the area.

Equally entertaining is journalist Geoffrey Wheatcroft who asks whatever happened to the Tory Party in his new book Bloody Panico!

He looks at 2022 as the year of two monarchs, three prime ministers and more than 30 resignations from the government, and at the dissension and vicious feuding beyond that has continued beyond the 'pantomime' of the party's various leaders.

On a personal note comedian and quizzing mastermind Paul Sinha will take his audience on a heart-warming odyssey in his coming-of-age memoir, the wittily titled One Sinha Lifetime.

Best known for his appearances at Edinburgh Festival Fringe and for his role as The Sinnerman on ITV's award-winning quiz show, he is a champion quizzer whose quirky love of facts opened up a whole new life.

Local quiz lovers will be delighted to know that the literary quiz – an instant sell-out when it was introduced for the first time last year – is back again and taking place at The Swan Hotel in Wells.

Numerous other speakers ranging from philosophers to thriller writers are set to appear in the nine-day festival. Look out for the brochure due to be published on 25 July in which all will be revealed.

And don't forget that proceeds from the voluteer-run festival sponsor year-round literary events in local state schools, providing youngsters with books, visits from authors and much more.

Wells Festival of Literature takes place from 18-26 October. For more information visit https://www.wellsfestivalofliterature.org.uk/