Novelists David Lodge, Christopher Bigsby and DJ Taylor are all on the bill for this year's King's Lynn Fiction Festival.

The event, where authors read and discuss their work, is being staged over the weekend of March 12-14, at Lynn Town Hall.

The festival, organised by Lynn-based solicitor Tony Ellis, aims to bring contemporary writers together in an informal setting. Mr Ellis said he had already had favourable feedback about the line-up, in the festival's 26th year.

'I'm very pleased,' he said. 'I've had lots of people say how thrilled they are with it. We've got a good format.

'We do things differently to the average festival. The others try to get bigger and bigger. I try to get smaller and smaller, get the writers to stay for the whole weekend and take part in a few events.'

This year's event begins on the Friday (7.30pm) with Tracey Chevalier and DJ Taylor in conversation with Rachel Hore.

Mrs Chevalier, who lives in London, has written seven historical novels, including The Last Runaway. Festival regular DJ Taylor lives in Norwich and is a celebrated novelist, critis and biographer.

On Saturday morning (11am), a panel of writers will discuss the purpose of the novel. On Saturday afternoon (3pm), the programme features novelists NE David and Hayley Webster, and Lynn-born travel writer Monisha Rajesh, who will be in conversation with Christopher West.

Saturday evening (8pm) features Aminatta Forna and David Lodge, who will be in conversation with DJ Taylor.

Sunday morning (11am) features Rachel Hore and Lawrence Norfolk, who will be in conversation with Christopher Bigsby.

Sunday afternoon (3pm) features a discussion on the reprise of the Booker, inspired by the demise of the Booker Prize in its much-loved form.

Writers and audience will choose a shortlist for the Booker Prize of all Booker prizes and debate the winner.

Tickets for all events are £8.50, or £37.50 for a season ticket. They can be bought on the door on the day, or in advance by post from Mr Ellis at Hawkins Ryan Solicitors, 19 Tuesday Market Place, King's Lynn PE30 1JW.