Leading scientist and author Richard Dawkins, former leader of the Liberal Democrats, award-wining poet Simon Armitage, legendary Romanian poet Ana Blandiana and journalist Andrew O'Hagan are among the new artists announced for Ledbury Poetry Festival as the full programme is released, with tickets going on sale to the general public on Saturday, May 20.

Founded in 1997 by a group of local enthusiasts, Ledbury Poetry Festival is today recognized as the nation's pre-eminent and biggest poetry festival. In 2017, the festival remains rooted in its local community, bringing audiences some of the most exciting names in poetry, politics and popular culture from across the world in the intimate venues, streets and parks of Ledbury.

With more than 135 events in 10 days, Ledbury Poetry Festival 2017 offers both new and dedicated poetry fans the chance to fully immerse themselves in the diverse world of poetry.

The Desert Island Poems strand of events will see Paddy Ashdown, actor Hugh Dennis and ceramics entrepreneur Emma Bridgewater share the poems that have shaped their lives, while Richard Dawkins will also share his favourite poems with Lalla Ward and I'm a Celebrity star Larry Lamb will read poems nominated by audience in Poetry Jukebox.

Find full details of all the events, including a host of outdoor events, international poetry and workshops offering aspiring and burgeoning poets practical advice on writing and editing poetry, go to poetry-festival.co.uk.