The literary dinner at this summer's King's Lynn Festival is to be chaired by Dr Simon Thurley, chief executive of English Heritage, who has made his home in Clifton House, one of Lynn's outstanding historical buildings.

The literary dinner at this summer's King's Lynn Festival is to be chaired by Dr Simon Thurley, chief executive of English Heritage, who has made his home in Clifton House, one of Lynn's outstanding historical buildings. Dr Thurley has written extensively on English royal palaces, the court and heritage issues and presented television documentary series including Buildings That Shaped Britain.

He will introduce Sir Jeremy Isaacs whose career in British television has spanned almost 50 years and included launching Channel 4. Sir Jeremy has written a fascinating insider's account of the history of television since 1958.

They will be joined by author and screenwriter Deborah Moggach whose novels include the best-selling Tulip Fever. She received a Bafta nomination for her Pride and Prejudice screenplay.

The literary dinner will be held in Lynn Town Hall on July 20.

The festival, which runs from July 15-28, will welcome back two good friends - historian David Starkey and pianist Freddy Kempf who are both vice-presidents of the event.

Freddy Kempf, a former BBC Young Musician of the Year, will give a pre-concert talk prior to his recital in the Corn Exchange on July 26 when he will play music by Chopin, Schumann and Rachmaninov. The next day he will perform the last of the morning coffee concerts at the Town Hall with Katja Lammermann (violin).

Dr Starkey, who was awarded the CBE in the latest Queen's birthday honours, will talk on Church, State and Crown at the Guildhall of St George on July 27. The talk follows his major Channel 4 project, Monarchy.

Tickets are available from the box office on 01553 764864. For more information visit www.kingslynnfestival.org.uk or call 01553 767557 for a brochure.