A popular Hereford restaurant is set to feature at the world's longest running literature festival's free programme.

The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival has announced its line-up for its 75th-anniversary celebrations, which includes Beefy Boys.

More than 25 per cent of the over 500 events at the festival have free access.

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The festival’s theme this year is 'Read the World', which will include the festival's Literary Explorer in Residence, Ann Morgan, who will share her international reading habits and top global literary recommendations.

As part of the anniversary celebrations, the festival will introduce a new venue, The Snug, which will offer a range of activities, including colouring workshops, literary-themed sketch clubs, tailor-made book recommendations, and more.

A community project named 'My Voice, My Cheltenham', exploring Cheltenham over the last 75 years with stories from residents will also feature.

The Huddle, a community space for debate and discussion, will see talent and writers from the area, including a series from The AnonyMums.

The festival will particularly cater to families with The Wild Wood, where children can meet beloved book characters like Elmer, Supertato, and the Gruffalo.

Story Shack will host a range of activities including musical mash-ups, live draw-alongs, and pantomime dames.

The festival will also offer poetry from Bradley Taylor and the work of Edgar Allen Poe.

New additions to the festival include Times Square, a space from The Times and Sunday Times where guests can unwind with a complimentary newspaper.

Other features include the Times Radio Speaker’s Corner, the TLS Reading Area, and The Sunday Times Best Sellers Gallery.

Nicola Tuxworth, head of programming for the festival, said: "Every year we’re thrilled to be able to share this stellar programme of free events with our audiences, thanks to the generosity of our supporters, and this year feels particularly special as we celebrate our 75th year.

"The breadth and diversity of our programme continues to give voice to the very best emerging writers, while showcasing the talents of our local community in a celebration of performance, spoken word and beyond."

The festival will be held from Friday 4 to Sunday, October 13 at venues across Cheltneham.