THE marquees are in place, the shops are full to brimming, and you won't find a B&B in the area for love nor money - Hay Festival opens tomorrow.

Book lovers from across the country are unfurling their Panama hats and packing the Pimms, in preparation for the UK's largest literary gathering, which heralds - among many others - Martin Amis, Umberto Eco, Seamus Heaney, Doris Lessing, Zadie Smith and John Updike.

The good news is that ticket sales are up year on year; the bad news is that more than 30 events have sold out (Bob Geldof, The Madrigirls, Grayson Perry).

Festival director Peter Florence reports no tantrums 'so far' and no cancellations of note.

The weather forecast for the weekend is downhill, but that may not be a bad thing - given that canvas can get sweaty.

Don't wait to get your brochure by post - check online at www.hayfestival.com for festival news and details.

To book, call the box office on 0870 9901 299.