A psychic encounter that inspired a novel and the wartime diaries of a Special Forces veteran have been among the stories shared at Wells Festival of Literature. The festival, which opened last weekend, continues at Cedars Hall until Saturday, 24 October, when space scientist and The Sky at Night presenter Maggie Aderin delivers the closing talk.

Novelist Patrick Gale told his audience how an assignment to visit six psychics for a newspaper feature prompted him to investigate his family history. He said five had been charlatans, but described the sixth as genuine — an experience that helped set him on the path to writing his Costa-shortlisted novel A Place Called Winter and its sequel, Love Lane.

War reporter Damien Lewis explored a different personal history through the life of Second World War veteran Archie Gibson. His book Behind Enemy Lines draws on Gibson's diaries to recount desert missions, narrow escapes and his service with the Long Range Desert Group.

Other events have included Rory Cormac's account of espionage during Britain's Cold War years. Martin and Daniel Sixsmith also appeared together to discuss their argument that Donald Trump is turning America into Putin's Russia.

The programme continues on Wednesday, 21 October, with biographer Sara Wheeler discussing the travels of Jan Morris and Florence Hazrat exploring the history of punctuation. Evening speakers include wine writer Oz Clarke and Henry Normal, co-writer of The Royle Family.

Thursday's programme moves from Arthurian stories with Amy Jeffs to mental health with Gavin Francis. Oliver Bullough will also examine money laundering.

Ten events are scheduled across the final two days, although Saturday's talks by travel writer Nicholas Crane and former Supreme Court president Lady Hale have sold out. Tickets remain available for other sessions.

On Friday afternoon, Kate Williams will explore women and power, while Rebecca Seal discusses allergies. The evening brings Dan Cruickshank on English houses and Andrea Wulf on the life of traveller George Forster.

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MasterChef winner Ping Coombes opens Saturday's programme at 10.30am with a talk on cooking rice. Later speakers include Cathy Rentzenbrink on Agatha Christie and Blake Morrison on memoir.

Maggie Aderin will then bring the festival to a close on Saturday evening. Online bookings close at 4pm on Friday, 23 October, with any remaining tickets available on the door.

The full programme and booking details are available on the Wells Festival of Literature website.

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