Tickets are now on sale for the third Bournemouth Writing Festival to be held over the weekend of 25 to 27 April at locations throughout the town centre.

The three days will be packed with around 100 events and activities – some free – to inspire writers of all ages, backgrounds, abilities and experience.

There’ll be walks, talks, panels, workshops, informal networking breakfasts, lunches and dinners, and literary agent one-to-ones.

The popular Writing on the Beach will make its return, along with special evening events from the Outsiders Project and Bourn Jammy.

That’s on top of a poetry hub, free workshops for marginalised members of the community, children’s activities at newly opened co-working space Patch, and an author’s marketplace for local writers.

Closing the festival on Sunday night will be Making Waves – a showcase for new and emerging writers hosted by Arts University Bournemouth.​

Bestselling authors Rachel McLean, Alex Stone and Anna Britton will be in attendance, as well as prestigious London literary agents Laura Williams, Oscar Janson-Smith, Saskia Leach and Megan Carrol.

Paul Kinvig, COO of the Town Centre BID, said: “The Bournemouth Writing Festival is a huge success and just what Bournemouth needs, bringing together creatives, writers, students and local businesses with an energetic focus.

“It demonstrates that towns outside of London are hubs of creativity and imagination.

“We’re pleased to continue our support and can’t wait to welcome writers to the town centre.”

Dominic Wong, festival director, added: “Writers and authors are coming to Bournemouth from across the country – indeed 30 per cent of attendees live outside of Dorset.

“The buzz and community feel around the Writing Festival is tangible, evidenced in our continuing events throughout the year.”

The Bournemouth Writing Festival is supported by Arts Council England, funded by the National Lottery, Town Centre BID and Solid Imagery Photography.

• Tickets are available at bournemouthwritingfestival.co.uk