BIG names and high octane excitement are in the line-up for this year's Ledbury Poetry Festival.

Headliners will include the Monty Python star and travel journalist, Michael Palin CBE and comedian, Phill Jupitus, who will appear as Porky the Poet.

Michael Palin will take a bow on Thursday July 9, as will the performance poet, Attila the Stockbroker.

Other special guests during the festival will include the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams and actress Juliet Stevenson, not to mention the veteran politician, Shirley Williams.

Festival director, Chloe Garner said: "The Festival, from July 3 to July 12, is as eclectic and original as ever in its exploration of the world of poetry, challenging pre-conceived notions about what poetry is and what to expect from a poetry event.

"This Festival captures the energy and excitement that currently surrounds poetry. Come and join the adventure."

Dr Rowan Williams said: "I'm delighted to be taking part in this wonderful festival - in a very special part of the country for which I have great affection. It’s always good to see what deep enthusiasm there is at local level for the arts, and the festival is a great testimony."

Big names from the poetry world will include Pam Ayres, Simon Armitage, Selima Hill and George Szirtes.

Music will include a performance of Edith Sitwell and William Walton’s Facade, directed by Adrian Partington, and a world premiere of a new commission by composer George Tsontakis for the Mobius Ensemble, based on T.S. Eliot’s Four Quartets.

Further details on, www.poetry-festival.co.uk.

Tickets start from £7.50.