Book lovers are planning to descend on Blenheim Palace in Woodstock and other venues nearby for the town’s fifth literary festival.

Organisers are running the event over five days, from September 16 to 20.

And for the second year running the festival is sponsored by The Independent and the Oxford Mail’s sister paper, The Oxford Times.

The celebration of books in west Oxfordshire was launched by Sally Dunsmore, one of the main organisers of the Oxford Literary Festival.

Each year, the event in Woodstock attracts large numbers of visitors, ensuring hotels and restaurants are booked up weeks in advance.

Speakers this year include Witney MP and Conservative Party leader David Cameron, actress Leslie Caron, environmentalist Zac Goldsmith and Blur bass player and Kingham farmer Alex James.

Festival spokesman Leslee Holderness said: “The event has been growing steadily over the past five years and for the first time we’re running events for five days.

“We’re delighted to have David Cameron with us again to take part in a talk, as he’s one of the patrons of the festival.

“He’s going to be in conversation with Vernon Bogdanor, who was one of his tutors when he was at Oxford University.

“There’s a fascinating mix of different speakers this year and they will talk on all kinds of subjects, from rock music to royalty, and from food to gardening.

“Talks will be held in Blenheim Palace, and at venues right across Woodstock, including the Town Hall, the Bear Hotel, and the library.”

Other highlights include film star Leslie Caron, who starred in the movies Gigi and An American in Paris, talking about her autobiography Thank Heaven.

Woodstock town councillor Colin Carritt said: “I’m old enough to remember Leslie Caron’s films and it’s great to have film stars like her coming to Woodstock.

“The festival has been growing steadily and the sponsorship it has from local and national newspapers gives it real kudos.

“When the festival is on, the footfall in the shops goes up, and the hospitality industry – the pubs, hotels and restaurants – definitely benefits.

“It’s good to have the backing of Blenheim Palace too, which provides some of the venues, and I think there is going to be a shuttle bus this year between the town and the palace.

“The town council supports the festival and provides the town hall as a venue at a discount price.

“Festival organisers are also trying to get pupils at local schools involved, and events are being held for pupils at Woodstock Primary School and at the Marlborough School.”

affrench@oxfordmail.co.uk Until 6pm on Tuesday, September 15, tickets for festival events can be booked by calling 01865 305305.