A HOST of esteemed literary figures are coming to Hampshire as part of this year’s Winchester Festival.

Once again, the 2010 festival programme – from July 9 to 18 – features a range of events across the arts spectrum, including a number of esteemed wordsmiths.

On July 10, BBC world affairs editor John Simpson will be in conversation with the festival’s artistic director John Miller, to talk about his latest book Unreliable Sources and the way the British press has reported key moments in history.

The following day, Miller will be speaking with author Antonia Fraser and discussing her latest work Must You Go?, which tells the story of her life with playwright Harold Pinter and gives an insight into the public and private lives of the two very disparate writers.

During the week, Douglas Hurd will be talking to Miller about the question: “is an ethical foreign policy a contradiction, a hypocrisy, or a realistic ambition?”, a topic Lord Hurd explores in his latest work. On a lighter note, June Whitfield will talk about her Absolutely Fabulous Life with Miller on July 13.

Other literary highlights include an evening with Countdown’s resident dictionary expert and adjudicator Susie Dent, in Great English Language Makers. The lexicographer examines the remarkable contribution that Samuel Johnson made to the way that we use and perceive the English language in a fascinating lecture presented in association with The English Project.

Max Hastings is painting a vivid image of Churchill as the greatest war leader Britain ever had on July 15, and on Friday, July 16, veteran politician Shirley Williams will be discussing might-have-beens in her career and personal life.

All the events take place in Winchester Guildhall and tickets, priced at £10, can be booked from the festival box office, on 01962 857276 or at winchesterfestival.co.uk.