A HOST of names from the arts world have been announced for this year's Wantage Literary Festival.

Returning between Saturday, October 26 and Saturday, November 2, the 2019 festival will see special discount for youngsters and an expanded pre-festival outreach programme.

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Director Vicki Luker explained: "I am excited to announce that those appearing at this year's Wantage Literary Festival include Pam Ayres, Drag Queen Crystal Rasmussen, mathematician Johnny Ball, Lord David Owen and Henrietta Knight.

"In addition there will be two community events, 'Train Your Dragon' and an 'Ecology Afternoon' held in partnership with the Vale & Downland Museum and Betjeman Millennium Trustees."

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She continued: "Our pre-festival school outreach has grown for 2019, to include Ridgeway and Chaddleworth St Andrew's Primary. Confirmed for the schools are local author Kita Mitchell and historians James Daybell and Sam Willis."

Organisers say financing for this year's event has been aided by a grant from Wantage Town Council, several supermarkets in the district, and community donations.

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For further details and tickets, visit wantageliteraryfestival.co.uk .

The majority of tickets bought online for children and students are being offered at half price.