As the nights draw in, this year's Wells Festival of Literature is inviting readers to embrace the darkness - literally -with a line-up of bold speakers ready to explore hidden worlds after sundown.

Among them is Dan Richards, author of Overnight—a fascinating book of real-life bedtime stories that dives deep into the wild, weird and wonderful world of the night. From star-gazing and bat-hunting to street sleepers and search-and-rescue teams, Richards shines a light on the lives lived when most of us are fast asleep.

His adventures take him from ferrymen and bakers to sleepless wanderers, with reflections on insomnia, darkness, and the quiet magic of moonlit hours. Drawing inspiration from Moomintroll—the beloved character from Tove Jansson's Moominland Midwinter—Richards captures the strange courage it takes to step into the unknown and discover something beautiful in the cold, still night.

"Night is when things go bump, owls take wing and foxes prowl," he says. "But it's also a time for starlit skies, new perspectives and unexpected encounters."

Richards is just one of many amazing authors appearing at this year's festival, which runs from 18 to 26 October at Cedars Hall. But with five events already sold out, organisers are urging people not to leave it too late.

Festival brochures are available from local venues, or visit the website for full listings and tickets: www.wellsfestivalofliterature.org.uk

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