Legendary actor Sir Ian McKellen is set to join book lovers from across the world at this year's Oxford Literary Festival.

The award-winning actor, who played Gandalf in the movies of Tolkien's The Lord of The Rings trilogy, will take to the stage at the Sheldonian Theatre on April 3.

Sir Ian, who will be interviewed by Oxford University professor Sir Jonathan Bate, will discuss his previous Shakespearean roles and the playwright's work.

The event, which will begin at 6pm, will also mark the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death.

Book lovers from across the globe are set to enjoy debates, lunches, seminars and screenings with their favourite literary stars when the nine-day festival returns for the 20th year in April.

More than 500 speakers have been lined up to feature in more than 200 events at this year's festival.

Former presenter of BBC Radio 4's Today programme James Naughtie will talk about his career and second novel Paris Spring to guests at St John's College, in St Giles, on April 7.

Historian and television presenter Suzannah Lipscomb will preview clips from her upcoming BBC series Hidden Killers of the Post-War Home at the Weston Lecture Theatre on April 6.

And Former Russian world chess champion Garry Kasparov will speak to guests about his new book on Russian president Vladimir Putin at the Sheldonian Theatre on Sunday, April 3.

Broad Street store Blackwell's will open its box office between 9am and 6.30pm from Monday to Saturday, but from 9.30am on Tuesday's, and also between 11am and 5pm on Sundays.

See oxfordliteraryfestival.org for further details about the festival which runs from April 2 to April 10, or call 0870 343 1001.