THERE are just days to go until this year’s Swindon Festival Of Literature gets under way – and it will be an early start for those who go along to the opening event.

The 19th festival kicks off on Monday, May7, with the now traditional Dawn Chorus in Lawn Woods at 5.30am.

Fans of festival, which runs until May 19, have been snapping up tickets to the numerous talks and events – John Simpson’s talk and the Mindfulness Workshop with Professor Mark Williams already being sold out.

Hot on their heels for take-up of tickets are Camila Batmanghellidjh on May 8, Will Hutton on May 14, John “Boycie” Challis on May 11 and the Swindon Think Slam! on May 18.

To avoid disappointment, festival organisers urge people to get their tickets in good time.

As well as a sprinkling of celebrity authors the programme bristles with informative events.

Author Ian Skelly, who is appearing on May 10, has spent two years working with the Prince of Wales to produce a book and film on the Prince’s visions, while writer Molly Naylor, who appears on May 16, survived the terrorist bombings of the underground in 2005 and, as a result, presents her show, Whenever I Get Blown Up, I Think of You.

Speaking at the launch of the event, festival director Matt Holland said: “If you glanced at the line-up looking for celebrities you will see it’s celebrity light and ideas heavy. We’ve got the BBC’s and Channel 4’s news guys and the Occupy movement.

“I like to give a platform to anyone who wants to talk peacefully and intelligently about their ideas. It’s not about left-wing, right-wing – it’s about a democratic platform. We also have a host of local groups too.”

The festival offers more than 50 events at venues around town.

Programmes are available at libraries, leisure centres and information centres. Log on to www.swindonfestivalofliterature.co.uk, email litfest@ lowershawfarm.co.uk or call 01793 466454.