Despite disappointment that one of the star names, Sir John Mortimer, has had to pull out because of ill-health, organisers say tickets are selling well for talks by the other top authors and the writing workshops have proved so popular that they are already sold out.

Big name authors taking part this time include David Guterson (Snow Falling on Cedars), Orange Prize-winner Lionel Shriver (We Need to Talk about Kevin), Richard Holmes, John Burnside and Bernard Cornwell (author of the Grail Quest and Warlord series as well as the novels on which the Sharpe TV series is based).

Tickets for the children’s events, which include some of the most successful names in children’s literature, are selling particularly well.

Festival director John Clarke says that the Beverley festival is developing a growing reputation among the top-selling authors, who enjoy taking part, and has featured in the national press.

“The thing about Beverley is it is a small festival, not a big commercial event.

“People like meeting our audiences, who are usually well read and there is a real chance for them to engage with people,” he said.

“The place is so beautiful and the authors who come here have a good time. We have a good reputation and the authors talk to each other and tell them it is a nice place to come.”

Novelist and playwright Sir John Mortimer had been due to introduce his latest novel The Anti-Social Behaviour of Horace Rumpole to an audience at Bridlington Spa on Sunday (October 5).

He has had to cancel his appearance becaue of his health, and anyone with a ticket is asked to contact the place of purchase for a refund. For on-line bookings, contact the booking line on (01482) 392706.

Mr Clarke says the cancellation is a blow, but there are plenty of other events to keep audiences entertained during the festival, which runs from October 2 to 23.

Highlights are likely to include award-winning cartoonist Martin Rowson’s talk at St Mary’s Parish Hall in Beverley tomorrow night (Saturday October 4), and Richard Holmes, who will be speaking at Toll Gavel Methodist Church on the evening of Friday October 10 about his new book The Age of Wonder.

Mr Clarke said he is also looking forward to the lectures by John Burnside and Lionel Shriver at Toll Gavel Church on Saturday October 11. “John Burnside is one of the best writers around at the moment.