Today sees the launch of the Dorchester Literary Festival.

Book lovers everywhere will be coming together this week to listen to some of their most inspirational writers.

The five-day festival will run until Sunday in various venues around the county town.

Due to the popularity of the event over the years, 2017 sees some new and bigger venues including the United Church and the Dorford Centre.

The festival is a celebration of the written word and gives festival-goers the opportunity to hear stimulating talks and discussions by leading authors in a relaxed setting.

With plenty on offer, the aim of the festival is that there is something for everyone.

The festival will be kick-started today with numerous talks at Duke's Auctioneers including Alistair Sawday, Kim Hughes, Katie Hickman and Marianne Kavanagh and Stephen Westaby.

Tonight will see best-selling author Tracy Chevalier discussing her latest novel New Boy, a modern retelling of Shakespeare's Othello.

She will be speaking at the Dorford Centre at 7pm.

Tomorrow sees the remarkable story of holocaust survivor Iby Knill who will be in conversation with Judi Spiers at the United Church at 12.30pm.

Later in the day Professor Adam Ockelford will take the audience on a clear and compelling tour of twentieth century musical theory and how he believes music works.

This talk will be held at the United Church, starting at 3pm.

Another popular event includes Henry Blofeld's new memoir which celebrates his career commentating on the sport he loves, cricket.

Mr Blofeld will be giving a talk at the Dorford Centre on Saturday, October 21 at 2pm.

The chosen charity for this year's festival is the Dorset Community Foundation. Last year more than 2,000 was raised for Macmillan.

Festival organisers Janet Gleeson and Paul Atterbury are thoroughly looking forward to this year's event.

For a full list of the events or to purchase tickets visit dorchesterliteraryfestival.com