THREE more stellar names from the worlds of science, politics and broadcasting have been added to the already-impressive line-up for this year’s York Literature Festival in March.

Mastermind quizmaster and BBC Radio 4 presenter John Humphreys, scientist Robert Winston, and Labour politician Alan Johnson, whose memoir of an impoverished childhood in 1950s London has been critically acclaimed, will all be appearing.

They will join the likes of the author and feminist Germaine Greer, and the poets Andrew Motion and Roger McGough, all of whom confirmed late last year that they would attend.

The festival runs from March 20 to 31, at venues across York. In addition to the well-known names, there will be a host of other events – including a stage version of Homer’s Iliad, the epic poem about the Trojan War, recited and performed by storytellers Daniel Morden and Hugh Lupton; a recreation on stage of some of Jane Austen’s most vivid characters; and new fiction and poetry from students taking the MA in Creative Writing at York St John University.

Festival director Miles Salter says this year’s programme is probably the most ambitious to date.

“We are working with local partners, including York St John University, York Museums Trust, St Peter’s School and the University of York, to bring some fantastic events to York,” he said.

“It’s a real celebration of the written and spoken word in one of the UK’s most beautiful cities.”

With the help of Visit York, the festival is being promoted digitally around the UK. “Last year people came from Edinburgh and Manchester to attend,” Miles said.

“I have already had inquiries from people in London. It’s a great showcase for York and I’m sure people will travel for festival events.”

So if you want to make sure you don’t miss out, check out the festival programme, which can be downloaded from today (Saturday January 4) from yorkliteraturefestival.co.uk. Tickets also go on sale today.

Hard copies of the festival programme will be available from Wednesday from Visit York, York Theatre Royal, York St John University, Waterstone’s and York Libraries.

• Don’t miss next Saturday’s edition of The Press for a round-up of highlights from this year’s York Literature Festival.