THE region’s biggest book festival gets underway next week (Monday, October 6).

The Durham Book Festival will feature actress Sheila Hancock, MP Dennis Skinner, best-selling author Jung Chang, Mercury Prize-nominated performance poet Kate Tempest, broadcaster Stuart Maconie and many more.

Funded by Durham County Council and the Arts Council, produced by New Writing North and supported by Durham University, it runs from October 6 to 20 with events across the county.

Jung Chang will discuss her latest book, Empress Dowager Cixi; Kate Tempest will perform at the Gala Theatre; and Stuart Maconie will present a specially commissioned show The Dales to Durham Cathedral exploring the landscape of the county.

Tickets are on sale now from the Gala Theatre box office, by calling 03000-266-600 or online at galadurham.co.uk

For full listings, visit durhambookfestival.com