LUDLOW Assembly Rooms is holding a festival next weekend for everyone to get involved in and enjoy.

A Weekend of Words runs from Friday, October 16 to Sunday, October 17, and is a celebration of language and literature with a programme of events to appeal to audiences of different ages and interests. The weekend boasts traditional performances including poetry, talks and book readings as well as comedy, music and children's fun activities.

“We are proud to present our first festival," says chief exectuive officer, Helen Hughes, "and we are positive it will encourage people from all backgrounds and interests to the town.

“Words have the power to inspire us, make us laugh, move us to tears, change opinion and move us to action. To celebrate the variety, beauty and power of our language, we are excited to present an eclectic programme of performances, readings, workshops and events for all ages.”

Topping the Friday bill is 91-year-old Holocaust survivor Zedenka Fantlova, who comes to tell her incredible story of human endurance and willpower as a 17-year-old girl in the Nazi concentration camps.

As part of the weekend Guy Masterson brings Dylan Thomas’ timeless masterpiece Under Milk Wood vividly to life to mark the centenary of Wales’ greatest poet. Lord Peter Hennessy examines the pleasures and pitfalls of writing the history of one’s own time.

Saturday welcomes the first female Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy along with professional musician, composer and actor John Sampson. Together they will present iconoclastic, profound and moving poetry, accompanied by a selection of music, with opportunities for book signings and a Q&A.

To mark Oscar Wilde's 100th birthday, Gyles Brandreth – author, broadcaster and former MP - explores the roller-coaster life of the author, who remains one of the most fascinating and extraordinary figures of the Victorian age.

Sunday brings Alan Johnson MP, Labour politician and published author, who takes to the stage in this conversation about his life and work, including his latest book Please, Mister Postman.

In addition to these special guests, families are encouraged to head to the festival and watch stand-up with Comedy Club 4 Kids, play giant scrabble, enjoy storytelling with Sally Tonge, or get creative with Crafty Fox Arts in a collaborative piece of art.

To book, call the box office on 01584 878141 or visit ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk. A 20 per cent Weekend Pass discount applies when purchasing five or more tickets.