POETRY lovers packed the Arts Centre to hear Swindon's brightest junior poets take the stage.

Swindon Festival of Literature organiser Matt Holland said the Swindon Youth Slam had the packed crowd clapping and stamping their feet at the event on Saturday night.

"It was brilliant," Mr Holland said. "The theatre was absolutely packed.

"Some of those performances would be good enough for the adult competition."

Among the next round of events are talks by former BBC chief correspondent Kate Adie.

In the event at the Wyvern presented by the Advertiser, Adie will talk about family roots, foundlings and knowing your own past.

Her latest book, Nobody's Child, tells real stories of hope, loss sadness and joy.

Other big names on the literature festival programme are John Hegley on Tuesday and Nick Hornby and Will Self on Thursday.

Still to come at the festival

Today:

  • Brunel: in love with the impossible, an illustrated presentation with Andrew Kelly at the Steam Museum, Kemble Drive noon.
  • Vicki Feaver and Robin Robertson at the Arts Centre, Devizes Road 12.30pm.
  • Wizzil at the Arts Centre 4.30pm.
  • Annie Waller at the Wyvern Theatre 6pm.
  • On The Wrong Line, or a return to rational railway with Christian Wolmar at the Old Railway Museum, Farringdon Road 7.30pm.
  • Former BBC Correspondent Kate Adie at the Wyvern Theatre 8pm.

TOMORROW:

  • Mug Shots with Peter Stockbridge at the main hall, University of Bath in Swindon, Marlowe Ave 12.30pm.
  • Sir Ken Robinson on identifying and unlocking creativity in education at the main hall, University of Bath in Swindon 4pm.
  • Ride On with poet Claire Williamson, film-maker Cluna Donnelly and flamenco guitarist Mark Dennett at the Arts Centre 7pm.
  • John Hegley presents Uncut Confetti at the Arts Centre 9pm.